Class room

To Whom It May Concern,

______________________ is currently enrolled in CHS 111 (Foundations of Early Childhood Education) at Post University.

Part of the course requirements is to have the above-named student visit an early childhood education program to conduct a

classroom observation for 2 hours. The student’s objective is to compare quality standards to practices observed in an early

childhood education program. We would greatly appreciate if you would allow our student to complete this required

assignment at your program. An excerpt explaining the assignment expectations and instructions can be found below. If at

any point you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Elsa Jones

Post University Program Chair – Early Childhood Education

[email protected]

203-596-8550

Unit/Week 1:

Identify and arrange a visit to an early childhood education program to conduct a classroom observation for a minimum of two (2) hours. The visit should occur no later than _______________________ .

Unit/Week 2:

Prepare for the classroom visit:

1. Reflect on what you are learning about key indicators of high-quality child care and developmentally appropriate practice. 2. Review the NAEYC “Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment”. 3. Read and become familiar with the “Classroom Observation Tool”.

You are looking for signs of quality, applied theories, one or two specific approach(es), and developmentally appropriate

practices. Your completed observation tool should include all of the following information. Feel free to collect information

beyond the items listed on the observation tool.

a. Name and location of program b. Type of program (i.e., publicly-funded, private, corporate, non-profit, religious, etc.) c. Number of enrolled children, age range, and groupings (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, mixed-ages) d. Number of staff, their positions, and the ratio of adults to children in the different classes e. The program’s educational philosophy (e.g., theory, approach, curriculum, family engagement) f. Specific observation location(s) (e.g., indoor classroom or outdoors)

g. Activities and materials available to children

• Ask if there is a written lesson plan that you can read. It may be posted on a bulletin board. h. Children’s interest and engagement in observed activities i. Nature of teacher-child interactions, child-child interactions, and teacher-family interactions

Unit/Week 3:

Conduct the classroom visit.

1. Demonstrate the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct core values and principles at all times.

2. Dress in a respectful and professional manner. 3. Upon arrival, introduce yourself to the receiving staff. Request to speak with the Director and/or Teacher.

4. Wash hands upon entering the classroom. If required, remove and/or cover street shoes. 5. Record your observations on the actual “Classroom Observation Tool”. Take and use additional blank paper.

6. When leaving, thank all program staff who assisted you (e.g., Teacher(s), Director, Receptionist).

CHS111: Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Classroom Observation