The debate surrounding testing and accountability in early childhood education continues, but one thing is universally agreed upon: effective observation and assessment of young children’s learning are critical to supporting their development. Educators balance what they know about child development with observation and assessment approaches that both inform and improve the curriculum. This foundational resource for all educators of children from birth through third grade explores:

What observation and assessment are, why to use them, and how
Ways to integrate documentation, observation, and assessment into the daily routine
Practices that are culturally and linguistically responsive
Ways to engage families in observation and assessment processes
How to effectively share children’s learning with families, administrators, and others

Find inspiration to intentionally develop and implement meaningful, developmentally appropriate observation and assessment practices to build responsive, joyful classrooms.