Preschool

Preschool Assessment Policy:  

Village Church Preschool places a great value on the individual development and uniqueness of each child. The team teacher approach in the classroom allows the assessment of sixteen children to be done in a step by step process with observational record keeping at the very core. Six general categories of child development are addressed with parents at least twice a year. It takes time to create an accurate picture of each child and how they are relating all of the areas; to the teacher, to each other and the group as a whole. The documentation (observational record keeping) is important verification of the whole picture and how the child’s development unfolds throughout the school year. 

Our policy is to respond outside of the twice a year format when it is deemed necessary by the classroom teacher or is requested by a parent. It is our charge as teachers to have a constant and accurate evaluation of each child and to relay information to the parents in a systematic way. Our team approach includes the teachers, administration and the parents using the following process:

• Providing developmentally appropriate settings for children to explore their world and teachers that understand child development and children’s needs.
• Anecdotal record keeping focusing on child-initiated behaviors (actions the child undertakes independently rather than in response to adult directions)
• Daily and weekly planning time to review status of children and plan activities around the needs of each child.
• Meetings with the director to assess child’s development and if necessary to help formulate and articulate appropriate feedback and response to teacher and or parent concerns.
• Thoughtful and timely response to parent’s request for feedback through phone calls, notes and conferences concerning their child’s development in school.

Our 3-year-old classrooms use a two part form that shows Reflections (observations by the teachers) and Looking Ahead (goals) with mutual input by parents and teachers. These opportunities for decision making and planning ahead for the children are a valuable part of our supporting family partnerships. 

Our 4-year-old classrooms use the High Scope COR form in reporting to the parents. The six categories of observation are:

1. Initiative
2. Social Relations
3. Creative Representation
4. Music and Movement
5. Language and Literacy
6. Logic and Math 

Our 5-year-old classroom uses the portfolio system of reporting that supports child centered learning. Both teachers and children collect work samples, take photographs, use anecdotal records and involve families in the process. These are shared twice a year with the formal conferences and then sent home at the end of the year with the children.

All three methods of evaluation ( for 3s, 4s & 5s) will utilize some form of a portfolio as a means of showing the continuum of each child’s  development. This will be sent home at the end of each school year.