Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Critical Performance Assignments Philosophy of Early Childhood Paper Professional Development Plan Early Childhood Program Observations

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Early Childhood Program Observations Brief Summary of Information from Blackboard

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 designs and organizes learning environments, experiences, and instruction creates appropriate learning environments introduces, implements, facilitates, and manages development and learning assesses children’s cognitive, emotional, social, communicative, and physical development in a variety of natural environments for infants, toddlers, preschool children and kindergarten children with and without disabilities knowledge of these natural environments is essential for the early childhood educator The early childhood educator…

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS clock hours of observation in an early childhood program… not the home Required

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 an infant program a toddler program a preschool program (ages three and/or four) a kindergarten classroom (Fall & Spring Only) During Summer Sessions, one 3 year old and one 4 year old class can be observed instead of one preschool and one kindergarten. a program that serves infants and toddlers with special needs or preschoolers with special needs 3 Hours Each

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 …..you can observe 1 hour on Monday, 1 hour on Tuesday, and 1 hour on Friday or 3 hours on Thursday or 30 minutes a day until you are finished or Any other combination that works for you and the program The hours do not have to be consecutive

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 In Blackboard Click on Assignments Click on Critical Performance Folder Click on Classroom Observations

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Classroom Observations Observation Overview Observation Directions: Word File The Instructor Letter: Word File Verification Observation Form: Word File Program Matrix Form: Word File Observation Form: Word File Observation Criteria and Scoring Rubric: Word File

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Visually survey the whole classroom. Describe the physical appearance of the classroom, including the arrangement of equipment and materials. What does the room arrangement and choice of equipment tell you about the type of early childhood program you are observing? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 As you observe in the classroom or program, notice how the children are grouped. What does the grouping arrangement tell you about the type of program you are observing? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Observe how the teacher relates to the group of children. Does she/he more often address individual children or the whole group? What type of language and behaviors do you observe that indicates the teacher’s support for each individual child? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 What evidence demonstrates that the teacher recognizes that children are connected to their families and cultures? Does the environment promote positive relationships with families? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Note examples of spontaneous curriculum that may have emerged from the children’s curiosity or interests. How did the teacher connect the children’s ideas with the actual learning experiences? Did the teacher demonstrate flexibility when facilitating activities? Is the classroom more teacher-directed or child- directed? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Ask about the program’s philosophy on how children learn. Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Describe the group of children in the classroom. ages Genders level of activity teacher-child ratio Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 If you are observing during arrival or departure time, note the types of families delivering or picking up the children. Observe the adults who are picking up children. Do they read bulletin boards? Do they talk with the teachers about the child’s day? Do they talk with the child about his/her day? What type of information is posted for parents? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Are children with special needs included in this program? How are their unique needs being met? Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Be Objective! Write what you see Write what you hear Do not write what you think, except for Observation Directions

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 To Whom It May Concern: Students from the CFS 192, Introduction to Working with Young Children and Families, at Western Kentucky University are required to conduct 15 hours of classroom observations in a variety of early childhood settings. These observations include a minimum of three clock hours each in an infant setting, toddler setting, preschool setting, kindergarten setting, and a setting serving children with disabilities. As the Instructor of this course, I would appreciate your cooperation in allowing students to conduct a portion of the required observations in your setting. It is a Western Kentucky University requirement that students residing in Kentucky submit documentation of a physical exam, TB skin test, and a criminal record check prior to making their observations. The students have also been provided information regarding professional behavior for field experiences. If you need to contact me, please feel free to call or , or me at Thanks for contributing to the professional development of students interested in early childhood education. Connie Jo Smith, Ed.D. CFS 192 Instructor The Instructor Letter Optional

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Verification of Observation Form To be completed by CFS 192 students for each observation conducted and signed by teacher observed or director of program. Student Name:____________________________________________ Name of Program Observed: _________________________________ Age Group Observed:_______________________________________ Time Observation Began: _______ Time Observation Ended __________ Verification Signature: ________________________________________ Verification Observation Form

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Program Matrix Form Type of Program Ages Served Eligibility Require- ments Teacher Require- ments Length of Program # ChildrenHome visits Parent Involve- ment EX: Day Care 6 wks to four years Ability to Pay High Schoo l Full year/ 5 days per wk 120nonone

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Observation Form Student Name: Name of Program: Dates of Observations: Time Observation Began: Observation Setting (infant program, etc.): ObservationsComments

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Scoring Rubric Performance Criteria Exemplary Work ( points) Standard Met (94-80 points) Standard Partially Met (79-60 points) Standard Not Met (59-1 points) Content Development hours of observations completed in a variety of early childhood settings 1.2. Observati on notes are objective 2.3. Observati on forms are completed with date, time begun and ended, and signature of teacher or caregiver 3.4. A description of the observation site and the context of the observation is provided 4.5. Comment s reflect thought and understanding of what the student observed hours are completed in all assigned settings 2.2. Observati on notes are readable and objective 3.3. All information is provided on the observation form in detail 4.4. A thorough description of the observation site and the context of the observation is provided 5.5. Comment s about observations are insightful and well written hours are completed in all assigned settings 2.2. Observati on notes are readable and objective 3.3. Informati on is complete on the observation form 4.4. An adequate description of the observation site and the context is provided 5.5. Comment s reflect some thought about what was observed hours are completed in a variety of settings but not in the assigned settings 2.2. Observati on notes are not objective 3.3. Informati on is incomplete 4.4. A minimal description of the observation site and the context is provided 5.5. Comment s do not reflect thought about the observation hours are not completed in a variety of settings 2.2. Observation notes are not readable or objective 3.3. Information is missing 4.4. No description of the observation site or the context is provided 5.5. Comments do not reflect thought about what was observed Matrix 1.1. Matrix is completed with all questions answered. 1. Matrix is completed with thorough answers 1.1. Matrix is completed with adequate answers 1. Matrix has some information but is incomplete 1. Matrix is not completed Comments:

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Performan ce Criteria Exemplary Work ( points) Standard Met (94-80 points) Standard Partially Met (79-60 points) Standard Not Met (59-1 points) Content Development hours of observations in a variety of settings hours are completed in all assigned settings hours are completed in a variety of settings but not in the assigned settings hours are not completed in a variety of settings

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Content Development hours of observations completed in a variety of early childhood settings 1.2. Observation notes are objective 2.3. Observation forms are completed with date, time begun and ended, and signature of teacher or caregiver 1.4. A description of the observation site and the context of the observation is provided 1.5. Comments reflect thought and understanding of what the student observed. Matrix 1.1. Matrix is completed with all questions answered. 100% Spelling, Grammar, and Format Counts!

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Check Blackboard For more detailed information in Critical Performance Folder For due dates For directions about submitting work

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Please remember to thank the teachers and administrators who open their doors to you. It takes extra time on their part and they should know that you appreciate them for helping you learn more about programs for young children.

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 Confidentiality Confidentiality is a critical element of professionalism and must be respected during observations. Do not discuss anything you observe with friends, families, or other students, unless it is for the purpose of your professional development. When you request permission to observe, the program may ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Dr. Connie Jo Smith CFS 192 I hope this review will be helpful to you as you plan for your observations.