Child Portfolio Assessment

In this paper, I will discuss the portfolio assessment system used in many daycares and preschools to track growth in the children in their care. I spoke at length with a teacher from Kids R Great in Smallville and used questions from the practicum assignment to understand the use and meaning of this type of assessment. I first asked the teacher what she feels is the purpose of the portfolio assessment. The teacher agrees with the basic premise of our text, that developmental portfolios are used to collect information pertaining to a certain child to reflect progress and growth from the beginning to end of the school year. It is her opinion that a portfolio is an excellent way to show growth in varied areas of development: cognitive, language,

She says that while the portfolio is a major part of the child’s development, is not the only factor. She also considers how the child is developing with self help skills and independence, getting along with others, taking care of toys and materials, listening and following oral directions, developing critical thinking skills, etc. In other words, this teacher observes all factors and areas of development in order to properly assess the progress of the children in her

She notes that children have varied interests, and she has taught preschool boys who prefer to build in the block center the entire year, and girls who are only interested in dramatic play. She has taught children with varied interests, and therefore, each portfolio varies as to the contents. Some children have in-depth conversations and imaginary play; others may keep to themselves and not be as verbal and outgoing. She frequently uses the portfolio as a tool to see in which areas a child needs more support, in an effort to all children’s interests in language and conversation skills, as she fully recognizes the importance of these skills as a child leaves her More at Four Program for