Course 6: The Power of Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education - EDC-X716W

Course Description

Credit Validation for SDCOE Participants Only

This course introduces participants to the developmentally appropriate use of assessment and observation tools. Participants will also learn strategies to support with documenting young children’s development and learning. This course will explore how to use the data collected to influence the environment, lesson plans and individualization needed. Multiple screening and assessment tools will be discussed, and students will also explore how screening tools are used in early childhood education to support the child, family, and teacher.

Learner Outcomes

• Differentiate the characteristics, strengths, limitations, and applications of contemporary observation, assessment, and demonstrate basic formative and summative assessment techniques
• Apply knowledge of child development and other influencing factors to interpret observations and assessments inclusive of logistical challenges, biases, and preconceptions about observing and assessing children
• Demonstrate how observation and assessment data are used to plan for and adjust learning experiences according to children’s individual needs

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Multiple Subject credentialed teachers needing ECE units to teach TK.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Complete the Google Form: SDCOE TK Pathway - Registration Link
• Contact for additional questions: sdcoetkpathway@sdcoe.net 

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD or you will be required to submit a certificate of completion to pce-cv@sandiego.edu. 

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Online Credit Validation Courses for Educators : Courses - Choose One or More