What is one purpose of observation in early childhood education?

Observation plays a crucial role in early childhood education, particularly in identifying developmental milestones. By carefully watching and documenting children’s behavior, interactions, and progress in various activities, educators gain valuable insight into each child's growth and development. This firsthand information allows teachers to assess whether children are reaching important developmental markers in areas such as cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Understanding these milestones helps educators tailor their instruction to meet individual children's needs, support their learning paths, and advocate for additional resources if necessary. This approach emphasizes a child's natural growth and learning process rather than relying solely on standardized tests or evaluations that do not capture the complete picture of a child's abilities and development. Observational data can also inform planning for activities and experiences that promote further development.