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Hello, my name is Kiera Mortensen. I spent three years working at Head Start and currently work as a 1:1 paraprofessional. I love working with children and being part of their learning, growth, and development.

I am an Early Childhood Education professional dedicated to supporting young children through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and developmentally appropriate practices. Through my coursework and professional experience, I have gained skills in supporting individual learning needs, observing child development, and creating activities that support early literacy and whole-child development.

I value creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments where all children feel supported and successful. I am committed to continued professional growth and following early childhood best practices and professional standards.

I am also very family-oriented and an animal lover — I can’t imagine life without my animals. I am known for being calm, soft-spoken, flexible, and easy-going, which helps me build strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.

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In this portfolio, you will find my Early Childhood Education certificates, classwork, and artifacts aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards. These pieces show my knowledge of child development, early literacy, and developmentally appropriate practices.

This portfolio reflects my growth, experience working with children, and my commitment to supporting safe, inclusive learning environments for all children.

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Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

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Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

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Early childhood educators (a) identify and participate as members of the early childhood profession. They serve as informed advocates for young children, for the families of the children in their care, and for the early childhood profession. They (b) know and use ethical guidelines and other early childhood professional guidelines. They (c) have professional communication skills that effectively support their relationships and work young children, families, and colleagues. Early childhood educators (d) are continuous, collaborative learners who (e) develop and sustain the habit of reflective and intentional practice in their daily work with young children and as members of the early childhood profession.

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Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum

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Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum

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Early childhood educators have knowledge of the content of the academic disciplines (e.g., language and literacy, the arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and engineering, physical education) and of the pedagogical methods for teaching each discipline. They (a) understand the central concepts, the methods and tools of inquiry, and the structures in each academic discipline. Educators (b) understand pedagogy, including how young children learn and process information in each discipline, the learning trajectories for each discipline, and how teachers use this knowledge to inform their practice They (c) apply this knowledge using early learning standards and other resources to make decisions about spontaneous and planned learning experiences and about curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation to ensure that learning will be stimulating, challenging, and meaningful to each child.

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Early childhood educators understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children’s ages and characteristics and on the settings in which teaching and learning occur. They (a) understand and demonstrate positive, caring, supportive relationships and interactions as the foundation for their work with young children. They (b) understand and use teaching skills that are responsive to the learning trajectories of young children and to the needs of each child. Early childhood educators (c) use a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate and culturally and linguistically relevant, anti-bias, and evidence-based teaching approaches that reflect the principles of universal design for learning.

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Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment 

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Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment 

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Early childhood educators (a) understand that the primary purpose of assessments is to inform instruction and planning in early learning settings. They (b) know how to use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment approaches and tools. Early childhood educators (c) use screening and assessment tools in ways that are ethically grounded and developmentally, culturally, ability, and linguistically appropriate to document developmental progress and promote positive outcomes for each child. In partnership with families and professional colleagues, early childhood educators (d) use assessments to document individual children’s progress and, based on the findings, to plan learning experiences.

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Early childhood educators understand that successful early childhood education depends upon educators’ partnerships with the families of the young children they serve. They (a) know about, understand, and value the diversity in family characteristics. Early childhood educators (b) use this understanding to create respectful, responsive, reciprocal relationships with families and to engage with them as partners in their young children’s development and learning. They (c) use community resources to support young children’s learning and development and to support children’s families, and they build connections between early learning settings, schools, and community organizations and agencies.

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Child Development and Learning in Context 

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Child Development and Learning in Context 

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Early childhood educators (a) are grounded in an understanding of the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 across developmental domains. They (b) understand each child as an individual with unique developmental variations. Early childhood educators (c) understand that children learn and develop within relationships and within multiple contexts, including families, cultures, languages, communities, and society. They (d) use this multidimensional knowledge to make evidence-based decisions about how to carry out their responsibilities.

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12/13/2023-6/30/2026

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5/6/26-6/30-2029

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it shows my understanding of child development and how children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood. It reflects my ability to support the whole child, including social, emotional, and academic development, and to use developmentally appropriate practices based on children’s individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it reflects my understanding of child development by creating a classroom environment that supports different types of learning. The layout includes areas for social interaction, independent play, and hands-on experiences, which help support children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development in a safe and accessible space.

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Floor plans and interior design - Planner 5D

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Planner 5D. Free interior design platform and mobile app

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it shows my understanding of how young children learn through hands-on, engaging activities. The lesson supports children’s development by incorporating creativity, fine motor skills, and early science concepts in a way that is appropriate for their age and learning styles.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how young children learn through hands-on and meaningful activities. The lesson supports children’s development by incorporating fine motor skills, creativity, and early learning concepts in a way that is appropriate for their age and interests.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how young children learn through hands-on, engaging activities. The lesson supports children’s development by incorporating fine motor skills, creativity, shape recognition, and early literacy in a way that is appropriate for their age and interests.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it shows my understanding of the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and responsive environment for children. It reflects how I support children’s development by building relationships, meeting their individual needs, and providing a positive learning environment that promotes growth.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it reflects my understanding of the importance of supporting children’s safety, well-being, and development. By identifying local resources, I show my ability to ensure children and families have access to support services that help meet their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how young children develop and learn through age-appropriate materials. It shows my ability to evaluate children’s literature based on developmental levels, supporting early literacy, cognitive growth, and social-emotional understanding.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it demonstrates my ability to involve and communicate with families in children’s learning. The lesson includes family engagement activities such as home connections, discussion prompts, and shared projects, which help build strong partnerships between families and educators to support children’s development.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it encourages children to build connections with others and express kindness toward family and friends. The activity promotes communication and relationships by having children create a meaningful gift for someone special, supporting positive social interactions and family connections.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it encourages children to build relationships and express appreciation for family and friends. The activity promotes communication and connection by having children create a meaningful gift, supporting positive interactions and strengthening family relationships.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it supports communication and collaboration between educators and families by organizing learning activities that can be shared and extended beyond the classroom. It reflects my ability to plan experiences that encourage family involvement and support children’s learning through consistent communication and connection.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it reflects the importance of understanding and communicating about children’s behaviors with families. By observing and documenting a child’s actions, I can share insights with families to support their child’s development and strengthen the connection between home and school.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it highlights the importance of social relationships and interactions in children’s development. Through exploring different theories, it shows how families, culture, and social environments play a key role in learning, emphasizing the need for strong connections between children, families, and educators.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it demonstrates my understanding of how children’s culture and background influence their learning and development. It highlights the importance of incorporating family and cultural diversity into the classroom to create meaningful connections between children, their families, and their learning experiences.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it highlights the important role families and social interactions play in children’s language development. It shows how communication with caregivers and others supports language growth, emphasizing the need for strong connections between children, families, and educators to support development.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it shows the importance of sharing developmentally appropriate materials with families and supporting children’s learning at home. It highlights how books can be used to strengthen communication and connections between children, families, and educators through shared reading experiences.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it reflects my ability to observe, reflect, and use my experiences to better understand children’s development and learning. It shows how I use what I learn from working with children to guide my teaching practices and support their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it demonstrates my ability to understand and respond to children’s developmental needs through observation and thoughtful planning. It shows how I consider children’s abilities, interests, and engagement to adjust activities and support their learning and development.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it shows my ability to observe children’s participation and understanding during a hands-on activity and adjust support as needed. It includes opportunities for children to share their work and thinking, allowing me to assess their learning, creativity, and development in a meaningful way.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it allows me to observe and assess children’s learning through their participation in a hands-on activity. By watching how children follow directions, use materials, and express their ideas, I can better understand their development and adjust support to meet their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it allows me to observe and assess children’s understanding of early math concepts through a hands-on activity. By watching how children count, sort, and interact with the materials, I can evaluate their developmental progress and provide support based on their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it provides opportunities to observe and assess children’s learning through a hands-on activity. By watching how children follow steps, recognize shapes, and express their ideas, I can better understand their development and adjust instruction to support their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it demonstrates my understanding of how observing and understanding child development theories helps guide assessment and teaching practices. It shows how knowledge of developmental stages supports my ability to evaluate children’s learning and respond to their individual needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it shows my understanding of how child development theories can be used to observe and assess children’s learning. It demonstrates how I use knowledge of developmental stages to guide my teaching and better understand children’s abilities and needs.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 4 because it demonstrates my understanding of using developmentally appropriate and ethical practices when documenting and supporting children’s learning. It shows how I consider safety, confidentiality, and responsible use of information when using technology to support children’s development and communicate with families.

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6.1 Reflection- Observation & Assessment

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 4 because it demonstrates my ability to use developmentally appropriate practices to teach children important health and safety skills. It shows how I support children’s learning through hands-on instruction and routines that promote independence, hygiene, and overall well-being.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 4 because it demonstrates my ability to use developmentally appropriate practices by observing and responding to children’s behaviors and interactions with materials. It shows how I support learning by understanding how children explore and engage with their environment in age-appropriate ways.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding of using content knowledge, such as health and wellness, to support children’s learning and development. It shows how I apply this knowledge to promote healthy habits, support readiness to learn, and connect health concepts to children’s overall growth.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my ability to use content knowledge, specifically health and science, to create meaningful learning experiences. It shows how I teach important concepts like germs and hygiene through hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that support children’s understanding and well-being.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding of using health and safety knowledge to support children’s well-being. It shows how I apply this knowledge to create plans and procedures that ensure children’s safety while also communicating important information to families.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding of health and safety knowledge and how to apply it to real-life situations. It shows how I use this knowledge to promote children’s safety and well-being while also providing important information that can be shared with families and caregivers.

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Lab Safety Poster in Light Yellow Orange Warm Youthful Style

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my ability to use content knowledge related to health and nutrition to support children’s learning. It shows how I present important information about sugar intake and healthy choices in a way that is clear and meaningful, helping promote children’s overall well-being.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding of health, safety, and regulatory requirements in early childhood settings. It shows how I use this knowledge to support safe learning environments and ensure that children’s well-being is protected through proper policies and practices.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding of content knowledge related to child development, specifically the importance of play. It shows how I apply this knowledge to support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth through meaningful and developmentally appropriate experiences.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my understanding of professionalism and responsibility in ensuring children’s safety. It shows how I apply strategies like active supervision, positioning, and anticipating behavior to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my understanding of professional responsibilities related to protecting children and advocating for their well-being. It shows how I recognize signs of abuse, understand reporting procedures, and promote a safe, supportive environment through awareness and communication.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my understanding of professionalism and the importance of connecting families with community resources. It shows how I can support children and families by providing access to services that promote safety, well-being, and overall development.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my professionalism and ability to research, analyze, and reflect on important social issues. It shows how I use critical thinking and credible sources to understand complex topics, which supports my growth as an informed and responsible educator.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my ability to reflect on my experiences and use research to support my understanding of child development. It shows my growth as a professional by connecting real-world observations with educational concepts and best practices.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it highlights the importance of communication and support between educators, children, and families in developing literacy skills. It shows how collaboration and consistent support can help children build foundational reading and writing skills both in the classroom and beyond.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it highlights how media and communication can influence understanding and connection within society. It reflects the importance of being aware of how information is shared and interpreted, which supports effective communication with families and communities in an educational setting.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 6 because it demonstrates my ability to apply knowledge from other fields, such as psychology, to professional practice. It shows my understanding of how human development and behavior impact relationships and decision-making, supporting my growth as a reflective and knowledgeable educator.

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Emotional Regulation in Customer Service

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Emotional Regulation in Customer Service

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of social and emotional development and the importance of emotional regulation. It shows how managing emotions and maintaining a supportive environment can positively impact interactions, which is essential for supporting children’s development and well-being.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 3 because it demonstrates my ability to use observation, documentation, and assessment to understand a child’s needs and support their development. It shows how I analyze strengths and areas of need to create goals, monitor progress, and provide appropriate supports based on ongoing assessment.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it highlights the importance of collaborating with families throughout the special education process. It shows how parents are involved in decision-making, communication, and supporting their child’s development, emphasizing strong partnerships between families and educators.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how children develop differently and the importance of supporting individual needs. It shows my ability to recognize how neurological conditions can impact social, emotional, and learning experiences, and how to create a supportive environment that helps all children succeed.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with families to support children’s development. It highlights how educators and professionals collaborate with families, provide resources, and support learning in the home environment to promote positive outcomes for children.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 4 because it demonstrates my ability to plan developmentally appropriate activities across multiple learning domains. It shows how I design structured, engaging lessons that support children’s growth through intentional teaching strategies and thoughtful planning.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how classroom environments, routines, and relationships support children’s development and learning. Through observation and interaction, I show how consistent structure and engaging environments help children feel secure and promote positive learning experiences.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 1 because it demonstrates my understanding of how life experiences impact child development. It shows my awareness of how adverse childhood experiences can affect children’s behavior, learning, and emotional well-being, and highlights the importance of providing supportive relationships to help children feel safe and succeed.

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This artifact connects to NAEYC Standard 2 because it emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships between families and educators. It shows how communication, collaboration, and shared support help children succeed, and highlights ways families can stay involved in their child’s learning and development.