5.4
Ongoing Assessment
When children start school, teachers immediately begin the ongoing assessment process by taking Observational Notes on the children, gathering parent information and observations, gathered information is used to rate children’s skill level along a developmental continuum using the Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP). The initial DRDP rating informs staff and parents on where each child is at in their skill development. Following the initial DRDP rating a conference is held with the parent to set Individualized Child Goals. Once goals are set, they are incorporated into lesson planning.
The ongoing assessment process continues through the year, as staff plan activities, document observations, and collect samples of children’s work while working on the individual child goals. The ongoing assessment process concludes with the final DRDP which is rated in the spring.
The first DRDP is rated within 60 days of the child’s entry date. The second DRDP is rated in the spring, within 6 months of the first DRDP rating. Staff will follow their Ongoing Assessment timeline and the child’s rating periods in Learning Genie for specific dates. While the assessment process is essentially the same for both Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool, some of the forms used to complete the process are different.
Observation, assessment and portfolios are all managed using the Learning Genie software (see Observational Notes SOP for more information)
At the end of the program year, a Portfolio Collection which demonstrates the child’s developmental progress throughout the year, is generated from Learning Genie and discussed with parents.
For more information, refer to the SOPs listed below in this section:
Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP)