ECE 226 Assessment of Young Children

This course provides an overview of child assessment techniques with an emphasis on screening and assessment instruments and methods. Ten hours of observation is a course requirement.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: ENG 102, (EDC 125 or PSY 126), ECE 120, ECE 121

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

ECE 226 Assessment of Young Children

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

2025-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENG 102, (EDC 125 or PSY 126), ECE 120, ECE 121

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course provides an overview of child assessment techniques with an emphasis on screening and assessment instruments and methods. Ten hours of observation is a course requirement.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

This course requires 10 hours of observation at a school designated by the department. Students must provide their own transportation to and from placement sites.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe historical perspectives pertaining to early childhood assessment. (CCC 1, 5; PGC BTS 1, 2; ECD 1, 2)
  2. Explain the purposes of assessment at various developmental levels. (CCC 2, 5; PGC BTS 2, 5; ECD 2, 5)
  3. Justify the readiness concept in relation to early childhood education (ECE) programs. (CCC 1, 2; PGC BTS 1, 5; ECD 1, 5)
  4. Identify and explain various screening instruments. (CCC 5; PGC BTS 2, 5, 6; ECD 2, 5, 6)
  5. Distinguish among assessment instruments. (CCC 5; PGC BTS 2, 5, 6; ECD 2, 5, 6)
  6. Practice assessment techniques by observing children at various developmental levels. (CCC 5; PGC BTS 1, 2; ECD 1, 2)
  7. Evaluate assessment procedures based on developmentally appropriate practice. (CCC 2, 5; PGC BTS 1, 3; ECD 1, 3)
  8. Explain the results and implications of assessment findings to stakeholders. (CCC 1, 4; PGC BTS 1, 2; ECD 1, 2)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe historical perspectives pertaining to early childhood assessment.
    1. Explain the evolution of measurement and testing.
    2. Describe significant trends in assessment and their impact on teachers.
  2. Explain the purposes of assessment at various developmental levels.
    1. Describe appropriate assessments suitable for various developmental levels.
    2. Compare and contrast prevalent reasons for evaluating young children.
  3. Justify the readiness concept in relation to early childhood education (ECE) programs.
    1. Describe various viewpoints of the readiness concept in early childhood education.
    2. Debate the readiness concept.
  4. Identify and explain various screening instruments.
    1. Identify and explain developmentally appropriate specific screening instruments.
    2. Compare and contrast a variety of screening instruments.
  5. Distinguish among assessment instruments.
    1. List and explain the various assessment instruments.
    2. Compare and contrast assessment instruments.
  6. Practice assessment techniques by observing children at various developmental levels.
    1. Describe portfolios as examples of authentic assessment.
    2. Collect work samples of children's writing and reading.
    3. Compile child's portfolio for assessment.
    4. Use observation as a technique for assessment.
  7. Evaluate assessment procedures based on developmentally appropriate practice.
    1. Compare a variety of assessment procedures for developmental appropriateness.
    2. Select appropriate assessment tools.
  8. Explain the results and implications of assessment findings to stakeholders.
    1. Develop a system for organizing and reporting evaluation information and data.
    2. Explain how assessment results impact stakeholders.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative Assessments

Exams (2-4, Equally weighted)

20%

Child e-portfolio

40%

Assessment Plan Presentation

10%

Mock Family/Teacher Conference

10%

Formative Assessments

The course will contain a various number of formative assessments including but not limited to:

assignments/exit tickets

quizzes

discussions

journals

group activities

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

ECEAATBTS

  1. Implement developmentally appropriate practices based on theories, norms and milestones associated with development in early childhood.
  2. Communicate information about student learning and behaviors in a collaborative manner with school, family and community members.
  3. Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum for quality infant/toddler, preschool and kindergarten through second grade programs in multicultural settings.
  4. Maintain a healthy, safe environment for children by following licensing requirements and legal issues affecting Early Childhood programs.
  5. Apply knowledge of the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development of birth to second grade children in a classroom setting.
  6. Access and implement educational technology.

ECEAASECD

  1. Implement developmentally appropriate practices based on theories, norms and milestones associated with development in early childhood.
  2. Communicate information about student learning and behaviors in a collaborative manner with school, family and community members.
  3. Plan developmentally appropriate curricula for quality infant/toddler and preschool children in multicultural settings.
  4. Maintain a healthy, safe environment for children by following licensing requirements and legal issues affecting Early Childhood programs.
  5. Apply knowledge of the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development of birth to pre-school aged children in a classroom setting.
  6. Access and implement educational technology.
  7. Develop an effective business plan for the operation of an Early Childhood Program.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.