Which of the following is an ethical responsibility of a preschool teacher regarding the assessment of young children?

• A. Respecting the privacy of the data that are collected
• B. Sharing with the class
• C. Posting results publicly
• D. Keeping data indefinitely

Answer: (A)

In preschool assessment, protecting a child’s privacy is essential. The information collected—observations, progress notes, and test results—belongs to the child and family and should be accessible only to people who need to know to support the child’s development and learning. This means keeping records secure, using proper storage, and sharing results only with the family and authorized staff who are directly involved in planning supports or communicating progress to guardians. Obtaining appropriate consent for any sharing keeps families informed and in control of how information is used.

Sharing details with the whole class or posting results publicly would expose sensitive information and can lead to embarrassment or stigma for the child, undermining trust and the learning environment. Keeping data forever isn’t necessary or prudent; retention should follow policy and be tied to ongoing needs for planning and accountability, with proper disposal when no longer needed. Respecting privacy thus aligns with ethical practice by safeguarding the child’s dignity and supporting responsible, supportive use of assessment information.