5.4
Ongoing Assessment
When children start school, teachers immediately begin the ongoing assessment process by taking Observational Notes on the children. Once gathered, information is rated using the Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP) about where the child is developmentally, according to the DRDP. After the DRDP rating, a conference is held with the parent to set Individualized Child Goals. Once goals are set, they are incorporated into lesson planning.
This process is repeated three times per program year. The first assessment rating must be completed by 60 days, followed by another rating in the winter and again in the spring. While the assessment process is essentially the same for both Early Head Start and Head Start, some of the forms used to complete the process are different (some are the same).
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)