This covers the second part of Step One of the DECA Program: Getting to know each child. Be sure to take the first of three tests at the bottom of this page in order to complete the course and print a certificate.
Getting to know each child is essential in the DECA Program prior to administering the DECA (Step 2), due to the fact that the DECA is a social/emotional assessment. You cannot accurately assess the social/emotional development of a child who you do not know well.
- There are many ways to get to know a child. The DECA Program recommends using your proven techniques, as well as Running Records Observations.
- Running Records Observations have the following qualities: They are accurate, objective, and complete. Accurate observations are those that occur across a variety of times of day and week, types of activities and settings. Objective observations include only what the observer sees and hears. Complete observations include a beginning, middle and end of the action(s) (whenever possible).
It's True! Observations should occur for at least 4 weeks prior to administering the DECA! This allows for optimal time to get to know each child.
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