Understanding Children Through Observation & Progress Monitoring | ECM Element 7

Session Description: This session will discuss policies and practices for monitoring children’s developmental progress in all areas (with a focus on language and literacy). Following a cyclical process relying heavily on observation, and with expected child outcomes in mind, teachers collect information, reflect on where children are in their development, and use their findings to inform their caregiving and teaching. The group will explore opportunities to get to know each child better, and to develop the nurturing relationships that support and advance learning.  view families as partners in all phases of this process, and seek and value their input and knowledge of their children to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their development.

Why does it matter?
Continuously observing children and systematically assessing their progress allows teachers to have a better understanding of how they are learning and the progress they are making toward expected developmental outcomes. This allows teachers to take supportive actions, to plan and implement learning experiences that support children best. When teachers know what is expected of children in language and literacy development, take the time to observe and monitor their progress, and use the information they’ve gathered to refine their teaching, their instruction is more effective and in turn, we see more positive outcomes for children. The process also allows teachers to identify children who might have additional needs and may require more in-depth professional evaluation or supports.