Many early childhood assessment practices involve table top testing that requires young children to behave like an adult (e.g., follow adult directives, attend to task, and answer questions). Research and professional policy standards have identified and mandated alternatives. Authentic assessment is the alternative to conventional testing practices for young children and is based on an old and venerable idea which, instead, emphasizes observing young children's behavior during routines and everyday settings as they engage in real-life tasks and activities and display crucial learning competencies. This article shares professional strategies for implementing a 21st-century approach to assessment by facilitating an optimal authentic assessment experience for young children and their families.