Using Assessment and Observation to Plan Curriculum Flashcards
6 cards from real CDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Using Assessment and Observation to Plan Curriculum flashcards as text
What is the PRIMARY purpose of observation in early childhood education?
Answer: To understand each child's development, interests, and needs in order to plan responsive curriculum
Observation is the foundational tool for understanding individual children, which then drives planning of developmentally appropriate, responsive curriculum.
Which type of observation involves recording everything the observer sees and hears during a specific time period?
Answer: Running record
A running record is a detailed, continuous written account of everything that happens during an observation — a 'stream of consciousness' of behavior.
A CDA professional collects photos, work samples, and observation notes for each child. This collection is called a:
Answer: Portfolio
A portfolio is a purposeful collection of evidence documenting a child's growth, learning, and development over time.
What is the difference between a developmental screening and a comprehensive diagnostic assessment?
Answer: A screening is a quick flag for potential concerns; a diagnostic assessment is in-depth evaluation by a specialist
Screening tools quickly identify children who may need further evaluation; diagnostic assessment then provides comprehensive, specialist-level information about specific areas of concern.
Why is it important to observe children in multiple contexts (indoors, outdoors, structured, unstructured)?
Answer: Because children's skills and behavior vary by context, and observation across settings provides a complete developmental picture
Children often display different skills, challenges, and social behavior in different settings, so observing across contexts reveals a more accurate and complete developmental picture.
What does it mean to use observation to 'inform curriculum planning'?
Answer: Using observation data to identify children's interests, emerging skills, and gaps to design next learning experiences
Observation-informed planning means that what teachers learn from watching children directly shapes what, how, and when they teach.