Which assessment procedure is best for evaluating a young child's social skills?

Evaluating a young child's social skills is best achieved through observing the child at play during recess. This approach allows educators to see the child in a natural setting, where their social interactions come to life. During playtime, children engage in various forms of interaction, such as sharing, cooperating, negotiating, and resolving conflicts, which are essential components of social skills. Observing these behaviors provides insight into how the child interacts with peers, navigates social situations, and develops friendships.

In contrast, standardized testing typically focuses on academic knowledge and may not accurately reflect a child's social capabilities. While parent interviews can provide valuable insights regarding a child's social behavior at home, they may not fully capture how the child interacts with peers in a group setting. Structured assessments often involve specific tasks or activities that might not replicate the organic social interactions that occur during free play. Therefore, observing a child during playtime is the most effective method for assessing their social skills in early childhood education.