In this course, education professionals explore developmentally appropriate formal and informal assessments, including observational techniques for assessing young children's development and learning. Education professionals learn how to use specific tools and the data generated from them to inform effective decision making and instructional planning. They also consider and discuss ethical and legal considerations as well as other related issues and controversies. Applying course concepts, education professionals participate in an integrative child observation project through which they gain a deeper understanding of the process of assessment, the role of observation, and the importance of considering children as individuals.