Child Developmental Reports
Observations - the hows and whys
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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