Child Development Discussion

 

 

This assignment utilizes nearly all of the skills you have practiced so far in this class. Here, you will apply observation and documentation skills to collect data that you will then use as the basis for identifying learning opportunities and engaging families. It will require the understanding and use of the: CA Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP 2015) and the CA ECE Preschool Foundations and/or Infant Toddler Foundations.

Note 1 -this is a significantly abbreviated version of the assignment that is typically required which should mitigate some of the pandemic challenges which limit observation opportunities. You may use any of the case study children presented in the module this week, OR if you have access to observe in person, you may base your assignment on live observation. Either is fine. 

Note 2: If you are observing an infant or toddler you will use the DRDP for Infants and Toddlers and the Infant Toddler Foundations.

Note 3 -This assignment requires the use of the CA Preschool or Infant Toddler Learning Foundations. The use of these are a required topic in a course, Introduction to Curriculum, which is the recommended preparation for this course. If you did not take the recommended course prior to this one, or need a refresher -here is the textbook unit that covers them

Introduction to Curriculum Text Section IV Planning for Children (Links to an external site.)

There is an introduction chapter, then a chapter for each of the foundations, and several others related to planning for infants and toddlers. This is optional reading so you can choose the ones you need to support this assignment.

Assignment Resources

DRDP 2015 (Links to an external site.)

DRDP 2015 for Infants and Toddlers (Links to an external site.)

Preschool Foundations Volume 1  (Links to an external site.)

Preschool Foundations Volume 2 (Links to an external site.)

Preschool Foundations Volume 3 (Links to an external site.)

Infant Toddler Foundations (Links to an external site.)

Video Case Studies

Directions

Printable Directions (Links to an external site.)

• Select a child to observe

You are to observe one single child for the entire assignment.

The total duration of your observation time should be 1-3 hours.

• Keep track of identifying information to include in your assignment submission

The first name of the child observed

Age of the child (years and months)

• Date Observation was conducted (if live)

Duration of Observation/s

School or Source Video Link/s:

• Classroom Age Range (if applicable)

Number of other children present (if applicable)

Number of teachers/adults present­­ (if applicable)

• Select your Tools and Measures (KE 3b, TPE 5a)

Narrative Tool: For this assignment, you will be using Anecdotal Records as your narrative tool

Non-Narrative Tool: Select a checklist, rating scale, time-sample, or frequency count to support the data you collect from your anecdotal records. You may use a standardized checklist or rating scale or develop your own.

• DRDP 2015 Measures: Select two measures from different domains to assess. Focus your observations on these areas. You may change your selection after you observe if your data better supports different measures.

Observe and Document (3c)

Gather observational data about the child by observing the child participating in several different types of experiences such as free choice, group time, indoors and outdoors.

• Record your observational data using your narrative and non-narrative tools.

Keep in mind that young dual language learners may demonstrate knowledge and skills in their home language, in English, or in both languages. They may also code-switch, which is using more than one language within a conversation. Therefore, communication in all languages the child uses should be considered when collecting documentation and completing the measures in all domains.

Participation utilizing any adaptations that allow children with special needs to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in typical environments should be considered when collecting documentation and completing the measures in all domains.

You will ultimately need two anecdotal records and one non-narrative record to support the completion of each of the DRDP measures that you select.

Note: It is expected that you will initially document more data than you might ultimately submit with your assignment.

Analyze your Data (1d)

Based on your observations and documentation complete your selected DRDP Measures, then:

For each of your selected measures summarize the child’s development in relation to the measure, including identification of the child’s strengths and interests

1. Identify the evidence (from your documentation) that was most helpful in informing your placement on the measure and explain why.

Identify two Preschool Foundations that most closely align with your findings. Include the specific number and exact wording of the foundation.

Family Conference Plan (1d, 2b, 3c, 3d)

Write a 1- page report that could be used to prepare for a family conference. In the report include the following:

List at least two strengths you observed about the child related to each of the two chosen DRDP domains measures (3c)

List two questions you might ask the family member to help you gather more evidence for your ratings on your three chosen domains (2b)

• Share two strategies you will use in the classroom to support the child’s development and learning in relation to the foundations you identified in step 4. (1d)
• Describe an interactive (parents and child do together) activity you could prepare for the family to do at home to support development in relation to their developmental stage and Foundations (1d)
• Provide a resource for the parents that would support their ability to support their child in relation to the Foundations, domains or measures. This could be a link to a community resource, website that provides information for parents, or another relevant resource of your choice (3c)

Ensure that the language and vocabulary of the report are easily understandable to the families by avoiding use of technical jargon, or overly prescriptive suggestions (3d)

Reflection

In no more than one page, discuss the following reflection items:

• Which tool (narrative or non-narrative) presented the most usable information for you? (3b)
• How did the two tools work together to create a more detailed understanding of the child? (3b)
• How might you use other forms of communication (phone calls, text, email, etc.) to continue to collaborate with parents? (KE2b)
• How does continuous communication and collaboration with families support children’s learning and development? (TPE 1i)
• What should you consider in order to make sure that your own values and implicit and explicit biases (2b)
• Combine the following into one document for your submission:
• The identifying information (Item 1.)
• Each of the two completed measure forms with supporting documentation (Item 3.) and summaries (Item 4.)