Competency Standard #3 - Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children

and Families
As an early childhood educator I have come to understand that observation is watching and
listening to learn about children. It gives us information to appreciate, know, and connect with
each child and build positive parent/teacher and parent/child relationships. The standard informs
us that we should strive to write observation notes that record facts about childrens behavior
rather than interpretations of or judgements about their behavior. The standard teaches us to
observe over time, watch children in various situations, and ask questions such as what do we
want to find out about the child, when and where should we observe to get the information we
want, and what tool should we use to observe. As early childhood educators we should be
able to apply various observation methods and techniques formal and informal to look at
cognitive/linguistic, physical/motor, social and emotional development, and we should respect
professional ethics and confidentiality when working with children and families.
I chose artifacts from CHD 165 - Observation and Participation in Early Childhood Settings. I
completed a frequency count, time sample assignment, and adult/child interaction assignment.
The assignments were completed to understand the reason why we observe, how we observe,
who we observe, and better understand adult/child interactions. These observation tools provided
important information and knowledge about the child. They also help us to provide thorough
reports of what we observe and provided us with a wealth of information about the child and
how they interact in the environment.
Standard number three acknowledges the use of daily observation to improve teaching and the
development of childrens learning. I know that observing is an important skill to know and
practice because it is an essential element of being able to assess a childs progress, plan for the
childs future development and learning. The standard helps me to understand that I need to
identify strengths, interest, and concerns about a childs emotional, social, cognitive, and
physical development over a period of time. I need to involve families in their childrens
development through parent conferences and offer family volunteer opportunities. I have learn to
establish and maintain relationships with colleagues that consist of respect, trust, confidentiality,
collaboration, and cooperation. I have to learn share resources with colleagues collaborating to
ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided to all
children.