Portfolios (for preschool and pre-k) and journals (infants and toddlers) are collections of information, photographs, and samples that demonstrate each child’s developmental progress. They celebrate each child’s unique abilities, achievements, and progress, displayed through authentic samples of their work and experiences. Each child has their own. The content focuses on children’s individual interactions with their environment, materials, peers, and teachers.
Educators must add material to portfolios and journals regularly, documenting observations and experiences, and use that information to create assessments of progress and development. Portfolios and journals are kept in the classroom, accessible to parents at all times. Sometimes, families take the journal/portfolio home to read, or to add in family experiences.