Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice

Assessing children's artwork should emphasize progress rather than the final product. This approach recognizes that young children's artistic abilities are still developing, and growth in skills and creativity is more significant than meeting a specific standard of quality. By focusing on progress, educators can celebrate individual milestones and improvements, which encourages children to continue exploring their creativity without the pressure of achieving perfection. This method fosters a positive environment where children feel valued for their efforts and are motivated to express themselves freely.

Evaluating based solely on the final product or the popularity of the artwork ignores the personal journey each child takes, while concentrating only on creativity could lead to overlooking the developmental aspects of their art skills and processes. Thus, emphasizing progress provides a holistic view of a child's growth in art and development overall.