Baseline assessment

[Sally69]

Hi,

I just wondered over what period of time people tend to do an initial baseline assessment and the best ways of getting parents to contribute.

Sally

[Bumble Beez]

I always get the parents to complete an all about me document before the child starts and use the first week or two to obtain some initial observations of my own...
I usually do a summary assessment after about four - six weeks and then just discuss with the parents and see if they want to contribute.
Continue with obs and assessments as usual and offer the parents the chance to contribute to their child's LJ at regular intervals too

Sarah x

[Bumble Beez]

Just want to add, this is what I do for LO's who are here four or five days a week...if they're here for less time then the initial assessment will take longer x

Sarah x

[karensmart4]

I do the same as Sarah... plus I use an up-date form for when the child reaches 2 / 3yrs ..... This is me now I'm ....

[sarah707]

I do it over the first few weeks as well - and ask parents lots of questions so I can scribble down their comments later.

I try to get something for each area of learning so I can properly note the child's starting points. That's the best way of showing progress

[hectors house]

I send home a couple of "Look what I can do now" type slips every couple of months when the LJ's go home for parents to look at - rarely get any back and then once a year I send home an "updated All about me" form - so they can update me on their wishes regarding naps, potty training, favourite foods etc. (I would send one home every 6 months but it's a struggle to get them back once a year)!

[Sally69]

Thanks everyone. I was a bit concerned that I was doing my baseline over too long a period (8 weeks for a 3 day a week child) and I think that after your responses I will have to shorten them in future.

[benandjerrys]

Would I do first written observation AFTER baseline assessment or BEFORE?

[Bumble Beez]

Would I do first written observation AFTER baseline assessment or BEFORE?

Your initial assessment should include something from the parents about where their child is...and then some assessments from you once the child has started with you.
So these first assessments I do are simple written ones (on sticky notes) which contribute to the baseline assessment...hope that makes sense?!

So when child starts with you...have a completed doc from parents, do some simple written obs over a few weeks, jot down their likes, dislikes, play preferences etc and then do a summary of their development...you have then got your baseline assessment which you can use to plan from.

So simple sticky note obs to begin with...after initial assessment you can do more in depth ones if required

Sarah x

[benandjerrys]

Thanks Sarah