This book is written for the teacher who wants to understand and deliver an effective educational program for all young children from birth through age 8. Accordingly, it reflects the knowledge base of early childhood and early childhood special education. It provides illustrations of appropriate practice for prospective teachers and discusses current trends for experienced teachers. It approaches assessment as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Key components of the assessment system include cultural sensitivity,family collaboration, and a vision of inclusionary practice in all early childhood environments-child care and school. Relevant professional standards are addressed throughout. The text is written in nontechnical language with support from the most current research. All "hot topics" are included as well-standards-based and outcomes-based teaching, high-stakes testing, response to intervention (RTI), coping with legislative demands, as well as relevant technology in the assessment process. Features include: Terms to Know, Focus Questions, Reflection Questions, Technology Links, Out-of-Class Activities, Case Vignettes, Activities for Classroom Discussion, and Suggested Further Readings are provided for each chapter. New Voices from the Field feature, which are summaries of conversations between educators in schools/centers and the author. Checklists and rating sheets, portfolio templates, test review guideline, glossary, child development milestone guide, and practical examples throughout the text. New elements to this edition include: Increased attention to English Language Learners and the process of Response to Invervention (RTI). Updated research, websites, and recommended readings for each chapter. New Voices from the Field feature. Expanded discussion of assessment instruments such as, Classroom Assessment Scoring System CLASS(tm), The Ounce Scale(tm), and Work Sampling System(tm) and technology applied to assessment.