Assessment of children's abilities and knowledge, their approaches to learning, and their strengths, needs, and interests is expected in most early childhood programs. However, many early childhood educators are unsure of how to assess young children's development and learning. This reader-friendly book will help increase understanding of child assessment, including its specialized and often confusing vocabulary. Focusing on children's development and learning, the authors provide an overview of basic assessment concepts. Speaking a shared language of assessment will help early childhood professionals communicate better with other teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents.

What's important for children to know and be able to do in math, science, health, visual arts, music, social studies, physical education, and language/literacy? Volume 2 takes a look at the national standards developed in these various fields. Providing such standards together in one book makes this an invaluable resource. Respected experts examine what early childhood educators need to know to develop meaningful, developmentally appropriate curriculum that incorporates the "big ideas" and content of each subject.