NAEYC Standard: STANDARD 1: PROMOTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING Candidates prepared in early childhood degree programs are

grounded in a child development knowledge base. They use their understanding of young childrens characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on childrens development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child. (NAEYC, 2011) Brief Description of Evidence: During the summer of 2011 as part of my practicum course, I completed a child case study of a 3 year old girl and provided her daycare and parents with information in which I highlighted her developmental needs. From the case study I strengthened my knowledge of observations and partnerships with families and other professionals through assessment. I gathered work samples, conducted developmental assessments and provided a detailed report of the childs milestones. I also provided the family with documentation and resources they can use to keep track of their childs development. I used multiple influences on her development and learning through healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging environments that provided her with the opportunity to grow and learn. Analysis of What I Learned: From developing the child case study I have learned the specific development of a all children. I am now able to locate and use these developmental milestones to provide age appropriate activities that enhance optimal growth. I now know how to create multiple environments that allow me to observe and assess how the childs development is influenced by the surroundings they are exposed to. I have learned how to communicate with families about their childs development and the ways they can solve any concerns they may have. I do this by providing the findings of my child case study and providing the parents with resources they can use to help their child reach the desired milestones for their age level. How the Artifact Demonstrates my Competence in the NAEYC Standard: From conducting the child case study I am now able to observe and assess a childs development in a professional and detailed way. I know the developmental milestones of all children and can use those milestones to conduct accurate assessments and observations that provide important information that can help in the positive growth of the child. I am able to research resources that can be accessed by families to improve the well being of the child as they grow and change. I use my understanding of young childrens characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on childrens development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child. This child case study will give me the tools and experience needed to improve my abilities in my future career through my knowledge of observation, assessment, multiple environments, parent interaction and research. The assessment of young children is truly a celebration of their lives and advancements (Assessing Young Children).