EEC 1223 - Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood

College of Education

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2024 (640)

Course Description

This course is a study of the theory and practice of observation and assessment of young children. Emphasis is on the use of various types of informal measurements along with the appropriate use of standardized assessments. Issues of professionalism including confidentiality, absence of bias, and ethical behaviors are addressed. (Note: Ten (10) hours of field experience in a licensed, professional early childhood care and education setting required.)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will examine the major domains of early child development by:
    1. reviewing the components of physical development, gross and fine motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development and the development of language and literacy
    2. determining the interrelatedness of the major domains of early child development
    3. utilizing recent scholarly journals to explore current research issues in early child development
  2. The student will explain the process and importance of observation, recording, and assessment by:
    1. recognizing typical and atypical development in young children
    2. exploring the importance of family involvement in the observation and assessment process
    3. examining assessment tools and methods, including portfolio assessments
    4. documenting the importance of using observational strategies on a regular basis
  3. The student will apply observational techniques and methods used in the study of young children by:
    1. demonstrating use of observational techniques and methods such as anecdotal records, checklists, rating scales and structured observations
    2. determining an ongoing system for documenting young children’s progress in the classroom
    3. identifying sources of valid and reliable observational tools
    4. completing one observational record for each of the eight major domains of early child development
  4. The student will evaluate observations and assessment data by:
    1. comparing two assessments of young children using valid assessment tools
    2. preparing a portfolio of work samples from a young child that reflects the eight major domains of early child development
    3. summarizing observation and assessment results with families and community partners to build partnerships and appropriate experiences for the young child
  5. The student will explore interventions that support young children and families by:
    1. identifying agencies in the community families can be referred to for intervention services
    2. deconstructing case studies involving legal and ethical issues
    3. articulating the legal and ethical considerations involved in the observation and assessment while protecting the rights of young children
    4. reviewing the legal requirements for permission to complete observations and assessments with young children

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

(Submitted as 1606, State approved as 1223). 3-Year Review 2010: Acceptable As Is C&I Approval: 05/31/2013, BOT Approval: 08/05/2013, Effective Term: Spring 2014 (480).
C&I Approval: 02/17/2024, BOT Approval: 03/19/2024, Effective Term: Fall 2024 (640)

Related Programs

  1. Early Child Development (CHDEV-CT) (640) (Active)
  2. Infant and Toddler Specialization Certificate (ITSP-CT) (495) (Active)