Simply put, data is a collection of information that is used to make informed decisions. In the Early Experiences age groups, educators use both data and teaching strategies like the Abecedarian 3A to ensure the Lifelong Learning program and educator practices are centered on children’s interest and developmental milestones.
Although there are many ways data is collected, we will focus on the use of Progress Records.
What is a Progress Record?
A progress record is an assessment of children’s learning. These are completed three times a year and inform families of their children’s learning progress in relation to four developmental areas:
- Emotional confidence
- Social Connectivity
- Foundational Learning
- Physical Health and Wellbeing
How we Highlight your Child’s Learning
All about me
When your child begins their Lifelong Learning journey at an Affinity Education run child care centre, you will receive an “All about me form”. Educators will use the information collected in this form to get to know your child. Surely enough, after educators have engaged with your child and used the information you provide verbally and, on the form, your child settles into the learning environment and begins to blossom. There is so much learning that occurs during the settling period and after that.
Sharing stories
This leads us to the next stage, where educators begin to share stories of your child’s learning. There are photographs and paragraphs that showcase the wonderful things your child gets up to daily. The stories can be cute and touching but at the heart of it all is some very important learning that’s happening to your child.
Progress record
Then comes the time for a progress record, which focuses on areas your child is extending, exploring, or emerging. The data this document provides helps both families and educators to make informed decisions on where to focus on next with regards to the child’s learning, and form a goal specific to the child’s learning. From here, educators will implement learning experiences that lead children towards their goals but factor in children’s interests too.
For example, if your child is interested in messy play and has a goal to extend their language, the educator may set up water or slime play in a small group and use the 3N Abecedarian strategy to build language.
As your child plays the educators will:
- Notice what your child is doing – “I can see you are playing with the water.”
- Nudge your child by extending their thinking – “There are cups and spoons in the water tough, what will you do with them?”
- Narrate and describe your child’s play to build their language – “Now you are using the spoons to fill up water. One scoop, two scoops, three scoops…”
The Lifelong Learning journey does not end; it continues and evolves until your child’s goal has been achieved.