Child Developmental Reports
Observations - the hows and whys

1. An observation is a snapshot of a child's development at any one time. Observations are necessary to discover what skills and information a child already knows, what are any special interests and focuses, what delays or special needs exist.
2. All staff participate in observations (even a cook must "observe" what children like to eat). The Diploma-qualified Educator writes the final programs, developmental reports, submissions for special needs staff, etc. but assisting staff will always add value to child records from their ongoing observations.
3. Observations must be written in such a way that they can be referred to again. Observations must be factual, without bias or opinion or surmising, and interpretations must be made within the educational experience of the observer.
4. Most formats for observations are appropriate in the Harmony centre, if a staff member can demonstrate some particular reasons for introducing a format. The formats that work well for Harmony are anecdotal running records, small group and large group records, and checklist records.
5. The purpose of observations is to prepare programs of appropriate activities (individual, small and large group) that meet the needs of all children at a particular stage of development. Observations are also necessary for identifying areas that require additional practice, such as threading, cutting, self-confidence, messy play. They are also required for meeting the needs of children with special needs, such as language developmental, English as Second Language (ESL), disabilities.
6. All children must be observed regularly, and the observations used for a purpose, and then filed so that they can be referred to by any other staff.
7. Usually observations will be made during the normal course of the day's routines and programmed activities, but may also be "set up" with a special activity for a particular child.

Joeys
6-12 Month Olds Developmental Checklist
12-18 Month Olds Developmental Checklist
Possums
1½-2½ Year Olds Developmental Checklist
Koalas
2½-3½ Year Olds Developmental Checklist
Bilbies
3½-4½ Year Olds Developmental Checklist
4½-6 Year Olds Developmental Checklist
French Report