This course is designed to develop expertise in students’ current practices in gathering authentic observational evidence to assess the developmental stages of early learners aged birth through 8 years. Examination of observed behaviors will be used to demonstrate how to identify the appropriate placements within learning trajectories, plan curriculum, and select appropriate instructional strategies for children. The course includes exploration of a variety of formal and informal assessments that can be used to develop a description of children’s skills, abilities, interest, and needs.