Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
NAEYC Standard:
STANDARD 3. OBSERVING, DOCUMENTING, AND ASSESSING TO SUPPORT YOUNG
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that child observation,
documentation, and other forms of assessment are central to the practice of early childhood
professionals. They know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. They
know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment
strategies in a responsive way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively
influence the development of every child. (NAEYC, 2010)
Brief Description of Evidence:
During the fall semester of 2014 during my ECED Emerging Literacy course, I worked
one-on-one with children while performing multiple assessments. I set up home visits with each
family before school started. During the visit I got acquainted with the child and family. On each
visit the family was asked to fill out the Brigance and DECA. In addition to performing
assessments, I created a portfolio where the child got the chance to showcase their individual
work. At the beginning of the year and the completion of the year the child was asked to write
their name and make a self-portrait. The two were compared to see if there had been any
developmental growth over the year.
Analysis of What I Learned:
Through completion of these assessments and the child portfolios I was able to partner
with the child and use positive interaction. I now know the importance of early childhood
professionals working together and using observation, documentation, as well as using the
appropriate assessment tools. Through observing and assessing young children I am prepared to
promote positive outcomes for each child that I serve. I learned in order to build an effective
learning environment for any child, I must be willing to establish a positive relationship with
families and my professional colleagues.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the NAEYC Standard:
Scaffolding is one of Vygotskys principle which involves providing the learner with
hints or clues for problem solving in order to allow the student to better approach the problem in
the future. Through spending time with the child and family before school started, I believe I can
gave the child and family the support that they need. This artifact demonstrates my competency
on STANDARD 3 because I understand how an assessment and observation are beneficial for
young children. It has allowed me to see where the child is and what steps need to be taken to
give them every opportunity to be a successful learner.