Purpose of an Assessment Plan
The purpose of informal assessments in the 2 1/2 year old classroom allows us teachers to gather information about the children's development in the natural environment. Let's look at the assessment done on a student up above. Learning outcomes look a lot like activities but for the age group that these are intended for they are learning outcomes or challenges that set up for a child to attempt and succeed. the learning outcomes are placed on a developmental checklist. The children are then rated by growth in how they learn and pick up the challenge.
Learning Outcomes/Goals
An example of this which is shown about in the developmental checklist is using utensils when eating which is under the Physical Development - Fine Motor. The rating system is based on growth in the skill. The child is having trouble using utensils when eating. The child would be rated at a "1" because the skill is not yet developed. If the child attempts to use the utensils he/she would be rated at a "2" because the child displays the skill occasionally. the child begins to use it consistently at every meal, then he/she would be rated a "3" because the child displays the skill regularly. If the program does not have a food program where meals are offered then the child would be rated "N" because the child has not yet had an opportunity to display the skill due to program limitations.
Testing of Children
The developmental checklists are completed on a monthly basis watching the students perform in different areas of the class to judge their growth. Now grated these scores will most likely carry over month to month, however a close eye must be kept on the skill to be sure it does not regress once the child continues to complete the skill on a regular basis.
I hope this gives more insight as to what is used as an Assessment Plan for 2 1/2 year olds to show growth in development and skills through learning outcomes.
