Observing, Recording, and Assessing Children's Development
Course Description:
This course applies to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
In this course you will learn why observing children’s authentic activities is the best way to gather information on children's development. This course covers how to choose methods of recording observations, identify developmental milestones and assess children’s stages of development, and assess children’s learning styles and temperament traits.
See the learning outcomes and topics below for more on what is covered in this course.
Note: This course includes observation assignments that must be completed to get credit for this course. Ideally, you should observe children in an early childhood setting. If this is not possible, you may observe your own children, neighbors, relatives, etc., but you must do the observation assignments to get credit for this course.
Course formats
This course is offered in both our coursebook (with online component) and our fully online format. The online format of this course includes audio narration in most course sections. Click here to learn more about Care Courses' training formats.
Listen to this page read aloud in a format similar to the online course:
Acceptance information
This course is accepted for child care professional development training requirements in most states and for the CDA credential and for CDA renewal training requirements.
- In Massachusetts this course is a diverse learner course. Click here for more Massachusetts diverse learner courses.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing Observing, Recording, and Assessing Children's Development you will be able to explain how to plan observations in a child care setting; describe different types of observation records; identify ways to use observation records to facilitate children's learning and development; and much more! Click here to read all of the learning outcomes for this course.
Topics covered
- Methods of gathering information
- The assessment cycle
- Tests and interviews
- Scheduling an observation
- Conducting an observation
- Anecdotal records
- Charts
- Checklists
- Diaries
- Frequency records
- Rating scales
- Running records
- Spot-checks
- Choosing the right type of records
- Milestones of physical, cognitive, language, and social–emotional development
- Intelligences and learning styles
- Temperament traits
Prerequisites
Must be able to fluently read and write English.
Instructional methodology
Read written material, view videos, listen to audio segments.
Assessment methods
Multiple choice quizzes and written assignments.
What our students say about Observing, Recording and Assessing Children's Development
"I had a wonderful experience taking the online class. I like that I could do some work, then save and walk away until later. The material was very easy to read and understand and was totally complete. I feel I have learned a large amount of information and gained a lot of confidence in my ability to use this information. As my need for more education comes along, I will certainly be searching the course list at The Care Courses School, Inc." - Bettendorf, Iowa
"The two recent Care Courses I purchased and completed (online) [Observing, Recording, and Assessing and Creating Schedules and Routines] were fantastic. Exceeded my expectations; reasonably priced and $$ well spent. Thank you!" - Worcester, Massachusetts
"I think the Care Courses are very well done. I've taken college courses also in Early Childhood Education and find your courses more focused on the actual needs of a provider. Thank you for offering a quality educational product at an affordable price for those who wish to continue to be the best they can be at their profession." - Orrinton, Maine
"Thank you for emailing me about my status on your programs [Observing, Recording and Assessing and Principles of Child Development] ... and I'm happy to report that I love these courses and they will give me the opportunity to advance in my job... Thank you for the great classes!!!!" - Clearwater, Florida
"As always everything went well with my Care Courses [Joyful Life of Caregiving, Sun Safety, Observing, Recording and Assessing Children's Development, and Sanitation for Disease Prevention]. I will be renewing my CDA and Care Courses is helping me obtain the CEUs I need to complete this task. I will be ordering another Care Course soon." - North Providence, Rhode Island
“This course clearly outlined how to conduct an objective observation, allowing for better catering to each individual child’s needs” - Chester, Virginia
How Care Courses® Training Works: Details & Support
Click to view:
Course Details & Support
Prerequisites
- Language: Fluent reading and writing in the language of instruction (English or Spanish).
- Technology: Internet access and a web-enabled device (computer, smartphone, or tablet).
Access & Completion Deadline
- This training expires 12 months from the date of purchase.
- To receive a certificate of completion, you must successfully finish the course before the expiration date.
Learning Methods
- Read instructor-written material
- Watch videos
- Listen to audio segments
Assessments
- Multiple-choice quizzes
- Written assignments
Requirements for CEUs and Clock Hours
To earn CEUs and Clock Hours for a course, you must:
- Agree to and acknowledge our Honor Code & Policy
- Follow all instructions for written assignments
- Demonstrate comprehension of the course content
- Achieve the passing score specified in your course.
Quizzes and Assessments
- If your score falls below the passing mark, a trainer will review your work. If needed, you may be asked to speak with a trainer.
- You will have a second chance to retake any quiz or assessment.
- If you do not pass on your second attempt, contact us at info@carecourses.com. We will review your course and follow up directly.
- All quizzes are open book; all answers are found in the course material.
Certificates
- Official Care Courses certificates of completion record your clock hours and CEUs.
- Certificates are available in the My Courses area of your account.
- Please note: All course and certificate dates and times are on Eastern Time.
Getting Started
- See how our training works on the training process page.
- Watch our course navigation video for a quick tour of the online portal.
- Free Unlimited Assistance
- We’re here to help with training, billing, and technical support questions.
- Phone: 1-800-685-7610 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern)
- Email: info@CareCourses.com or techsupport@CareCourses.com (days, evenings, and weekends)
About Care Courses
- Care Courses offers over 50 professional development courses and one non-credit training tutorial on the CDA process.
- All professional development courses include clock hours, CEUs, and an official online certificate of completion.
- (The free CDA tutorial does not offer clock hours or a certificate.)
Tuition & Bundles
- Course tuition entitles one person to receive the clock hours and CEUs granted upon successful completion.
- Bundle pricing covers tuition for all courses included in the bundle.
Policies & Requirements
