An Introduction to Informal Assessments in Early Childhood Education
Assessment does not look the same in early childhood education.
In early childhood environments, assessments do not mean paper and pencil tests. It is not used for the purpose of labeling either. It is used to guide instruction and meet the individual needs of each child.
Informal assessments allow teachers to gather information about children’s development in the natural environment.
Children interact with materials and peers while teachers make observations about behaviors and collect examples of accomplishments. This information allows teachers to make decisions about programming and supporting children’s learning.
Informal assessments can tell teachers many things about individual children and the classroom. By collecting developmental data, teachers will be able to make adaptations to the curriculum and lessons to meet individual child and their needs.
Teachers will collect their observations in the form of observation records or notes. These are written descriptions of children’s behaviors as witnessed by teachers. Observing, recording, and organizing information on a daily basis takes time.
