21 Understanding the Child

Many of the same tools and techniques you use to gather baseline data, you will continue to use to support the whole child. This includes screening, planning curriculum, and assessing development. Every observation you complete provides valuable information that you can use to be more intentional and more responsive. When we observe the children in our care, we can learn about their:

• interests, abilities and preferences
• developmental skill level (cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical)
• how they strategize in social situations
• how they approach learning opportunities
• personality and temperament