Child Observation Report #
Child’s First Name:DOB:
Student Observer:Age:
Background Information: (1-2 paragraphs) A brief description of the child including first name, age, place of observation, location, time, those present, and circumstances of observation. You should also include any other information that you deem to be relevant. With regards to the observation of a an atypically developing child, review any available records (school, medical, parent interviews, etc.) and briefly summarize the key points of the child’s developmental history. Conduct some basic research on the child’s disability. (ERIC websites are ideal for this type of research – www.ericec.org/digests/prodfly.html.) Write a summary (approximately 1 page) of the manifestations and characteristics of the disability for children within the age group of the child you observed.
Observation Report: (2-3 pages or more) This section varies depending on length of observation and age of child. Remember this is objective reporting. Describe in objective terms what the child did and said during your observation. Be sure to give rich detail, such as the child’s facial expression, gestures and reactions of other children. Also include statements or actions of other individuals when relevant to the child’s actions or responses.
Cultural Reflection: Reflect on the behaviors that you observed. Choose one behavior or developmental milestone that you observed and explain whether the behavior is culturally universal or culturally specific. Support your conclusions with research literature. Describe the manner in which this behavior may be influenced by the child’s cultural background
Analysis and Interpretation: (1-2 pages) Read through your observation report and make inferences about the child’s development. Make sure you have objective data to back up your inference. Using your knowledge of developmental theory and typical child development, describe the child’s skills (based only on what was observed) within the following domains: language, gross motor, fine motor, social-emotional, cognitive. For this section, cite at least two sources using APA style that you used to support your analysis and interpretation. With regards to the child who is developing atypically, also discuss the manner in which the child’s disability may influence the child’s development.
Recommendations – Based on your knowledge of development and on your research, make three recommendations from the perspective of your developmental theorist for intervention that will benefit/support this child. These recommendations should be specific (i.e. Rather than recommending speech therapy, identify some specific speech strategies that you think would be effective.) Your recommendations may include specific instructional strategies, adaptations to the environment, adaptations to the caregiving routine, etc. What types of changes or interventions will most effectively support this child’s development and enable him/her to participate fully in the environment? Explain why you have made these recommendations.
References: At the end of the report, list the sources you referenced in your report. You must use APA style for all references and citations. Points will be taken off for incorrect reference and citation format. Graduate students must be able to write in the correct professional manner.
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Background Information
The name of the six year old boy is Jay. He is from North Dakota and has a twin brother. Jay was diagnosed with autism at 6 months and his parents thought that his twin brother also had the same condition but he actually did not. His family members were gathered in his classroom one early morning and they observed the boy while he went about his daily activities. Jay has Autism and this has affected his development. One would think that he is way younger than his twin brother. Autism is a mental disorder….
APA
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