Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CDA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Group discussions are not considered an observation tool for assessing children because they typically involve verbal interactions among multiple participants rather than individual observations of a child's behavior or development. In contrast, observational tools like anecdotal records, running records, and developmental checklists are structured methods for gathering specific, objective information about a child's actions, behaviors, and skills in various contexts.

Anecdotal records involve brief, narrative accounts of significant incidents or behaviors, while running records provide continuous, detailed documentation of a child's behavior over a period of time. Developmental checklists serve as standardized tools to evaluate and record a child's skill development against established milestones. These observational methods are instrumental in creating a comprehensive understanding of a child's growth, needs, and progress in early education settings.