Authentic Assessment is defined as the process of documenting and evaluating growth and development in real-life situations over time. It shows what children can do, what they know, and what they understand. Rather than attempting to explain a child’s performance based on one test, this type of assessment focuses on the progress and growth of a child over time. Authentic assessment helps to paint a more accurate picture of who the child is and how the child is growing and learning. The term assessment, when used in the context of early childhood education, is sometimes interchanged with the term observation. Observation is one method of assessing student growth and development and is probably the best-known, most widely used way that teachers evaluate the progress of the young children they teach.

Teachers may wonder what to assess when working with young children. Using multiple forms of assessment allows a teacher to reveal an accurate picture of the child. Early childhood includes children from birth to age eight and is a very difficult period to assess because the rate of growth is so rapid. Also, growth is highly influenced by nurturing parents, quality of care, and the learning environment. Parents want to be assured that their child is ready for school. In addition, teachers and administrators want to know if they are offering effective programs. Therefore, assessment information is critical to the child, the parent, and the success of the program.

Assessment is a hot topic in the field of early childhood education as accountability becomes more important for teachers and schools. As educators, we must find ways to show we are teaching and that children are learning. It is imperative to find methods that illustrate growth and development over time, allowing children to be evaluated in real-life, everyday settings. It is the teacher’s responsibility to find methods of documentation that report success of children.

By understanding the basic developmental areas of the children you teach, assessment can be made simple. Easy-to-learn methods of assessment will help you document the developmental growth of young children over time. Learn more about assessment tools for the classroom. Visit ChildCare Education Institute to discover over 100 online child care training courses that meet the continuing education requirements of the child care industry.

For parents who believe that home schooling is a valid way to educate your children, you may be able to become a teacher. This will allow you achieve your desire to be a teacher but also be responsible for your child’s education.

As a home schooling parent you have the flexibility to teach the child in alternative and different ways. You are not regulate to teaching with the typical and normal set rules and regulations of the typical school system.

Additionally the parent is able to incorporate their own religious and, ethical and moral beliefs into the teaching curriculum. As the parent you can shape the values the child learns at home and not through the typical schools.

You should realize that it is a great responsibility to handle your child’s education. Many parents believe they are not able to teach since they do not have degrees or certificates in teaching. This is not necessarily the case as you can have tutors instruct your child with subjects that you are not comfortable with.

You do not need a specific teaching certificate in order to become a home school teacher. What you need to have is the desire to teach your children. Many parents think that they must experience being a teacher or have a teaching certificate. This is not the case at all. Every parent has something to offer in the education of their children.

Teaching your children how to learn things and how to achieve something in life will all be put to waste if you will not believe that your children can definitely achieve something and be successful. In this way, you will be able to teach things that you believe your child can do very well.

In order to be a home school teacher and in order to ensure quality education, it is best that do the research and gain a good understanding of home schooling.

Being a home school teacher does not necessarily mean you have to do what teachers do in other schools because learning in a typical school is different from home schooling. What is important is that you should have the desire and interest to teach your children. Any parent can be an effective teacher to their children.

Keep it simple: Often times mothers become so obsessed with throwing the best first birthday party for their child that they lose site of the obvious and become overwhelmed with the unnecessary. Think back to a time when you were one and your parents threw a birthday party for you. Can you remember? Chances are, much like millions of other people, you can’t. That said, your child will most likely not remember their first birthday party and therefore won’t feel short changed thirty years from now when they think back on your parenting skills. By keeping a party simple, you will minimize your stress level and maximize the amount of time you have to spend with friends, family, and the busy birthday baby.

Keep it Short: Often times your child isn’t the only youngster at the party and therefore you’re not the only parent chasing around a rambunctious baby. In order to keep things as easy going as possible for you and your guests, keep the party short and moving. Babies and small children can have a short attention span and it’s in your best interest to keep them occupied during their time there. Keeping the party short will make you and your guests happier in the long run.

Make a List: Every baby is different and therefore buying baby gifts can sometimes be complicated. Help your guests with their purchase by giving them a little guidance. When you are writing out your invitations, before you seal the envelope, slip in a litter letter that lists your baby’s size, what he or she needs, and any favorites they may have. This will help you cut back on making returns and ensure the gifts you receive go to good use.

Games and Activities: It’s always a good idea to keep kids entertained by offering a couple of age appropriate games or activities. If you have a large group of babies and toddlers present at the party, try simple activities such as coloring. If your party has some older children who aren’t entertained by a easy to color picture, then think about playing a safe game of pin the tail on the donkey or have a treasure hunt. Regardless of the age group, it’s important to keep the games short and simple to avoid complications and crying kids.

Menu: Once again, simplicity is the key when choosing what to serve at your baby’s birthday. Be logical when deciding what to serve. If you’re having a large group, you’ll want to keep things as clean as possible. Stick with foods that you know children will eat like hotdogs or kid friendly pizza. Make sure to keep the kids in a general area that is far from carpeting and easy to stain couches, carpets, and curtains. It’s also a good idea to keep tons of napkins ready for messes and spills.