Teachers conduct observations to chart progress across all areas of development. Parent-teacher conferences are a chance to have an open dialogue behind closed doors and away from “listening ears”. These conferences give both the teacher and parents an opportunity to share observations and plan next goals. 

Gross Motor Skills
Children will be assessed on balance and coordination. Can the child go up and down stairs? Do they actively engage in physical activities such as jumping, climbing, and riding playground equipment? During outdoor play, does the child show an eagerness to try new physical movements and challenges?

Fine Motor Skills
Children will be assessed on how skillfully they can manipulate small objects. Does the child work with beads, playdough, build with LEGO or Duplo blocks, and use markers or tear paper during art? Can the child grip a pencil or use scissors? During self-help tasks, can the child work a zipper and buttons on clothing or feed themselves using a spoon and fork?

Language & Communication
Children will be assessed on spoken and receptive vocabulary and communication skills. Can the child communicate clearly wants and needs with both peers and adults? Does the child name emotions, participate in conversations, and ask thoughtful questions during circle time and storytimes? Can the child follow simple directions? Does the child have an increasing vocabulary speaking in complete sentences?

Cognitive Development
Children will be assessed on cognitive development, like concepts of cause and effect or problem solving. Can the child recognize, name, and sort by color, shape, or category like farm animals vs sea animals? Does the child work puzzles, match items, and copy patterns? Has the child been able to identify symbols of numbers vs. letters? Does the child understand left to right progression for reading or one-to-one correspondence when counting? Does the child try new foods and new experiences?

Social & Emotional Development
Children will be assessed on play behaviors, emotional regulation, and interactions with peers. Does the child engage in cooperative play, take turns, and show concerns for others? Is the child developing emotional awareness and learning how to regulate emotional reactions in different social situations? Has the child bonded with adults and formed beginning friendships with peers? Does the child regulate by resting when tired or removing themselves away from the group when they need a “break”?

Self-Help and Group Participation Skills
Children will be assessed on their ability to help themselves and participation in the “community of learners” by offering to help others or the class group. Does the child clean up after themselves and take responsibility for their belongings? Has the child been observed doing classroom jobs or asking to help? Can they use the bathroom independently and dress themselves? Is the child quiet while others nap during rest times? Does the child know and follow classroom rules for the group?

Personality Highlights
Children will be assessed on their own unique talents and abilities. Does the child excel in one area of interest? Does the child often play with a certain classmate or groups of friends? Has the child shown an interest in sharing something from home with the group? Does the child show an active interest in discussions by asking questions and engaging in hands-on exploration? Can the child stay on task and focus? 

Parent-teacher conferences are an important way to establish reciprocal relationships with families, as we “partner in parenting” to support the growth and development of each individual child.