True assessment compares progress between one point in time and another. Finally, be an integral part of your child's learning life. Learn to listen carefully and to work and learn together with her. Be a model of active learning for her. Continue to be that careful observer and watch her as she works, because what worked last year or last month or even yesterday may not work tomorrow.
Children grow and mature and their needs often change as that happens.
If you make your child your focus right from the beginning, creating a learning environment filled with resources that honor your child's learning styles, abilities and level of understanding will come naturally. If you encourage learning that is motivated from a sincere interest, and help your child build on what she already knows, you will be amazed at the depth of learning that takes place.