Final answer:
Ongoing assessment or observational monitoring is a technique used to constantly monitor child development, adhering to the continuous development view of gradual improvement in skills. It is essential for identifying critical developmental periods and milestones and can be conducted in various settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ongoing assessment or observational monitoring is a way to constantly keep an eye on child development, making referrals when concerns arise. Observational monitoring is a method that allows for continuous tracking of a child's development, viewing it as a cumulative process where improvement on existing skills occurs gradually. This method can be applied in various settings, including structured environments like laboratory settings or more naturalistic ones such as playgrounds or homes.
Through observational monitoring, developmental psychologists and other practitioners can identify critical periods for development and detect significant milestones in a child's physical and emotional growth. It is essential for recognizing signs of potential developmental delays or issues that may require intervention. This continuous process of monitoring aligns with the continuous development view, which emphasizes that development is not a series of discrete stages but rather a constant progression.