14 ECELS Observation Access

General ECELS Access Procedures

Palomar College ECELS welcomes student observers at both the San Marcos and Escondido locations. Observers should be enrolled in relevant coursework (ex: CHDV, PSYC, NURS, DA, EME, SOC, etc.). Our ECELS is a learning lab for Palomar students, and we thank you for being respectful of our ECELS teachers and staff at all times.

• You do NOT need to call the San Marcos ECELS to set up an observation
• It is recommended that you call the Escondido ECELS before coming to observe.
• You may come any day that the ECELS is open during non-nap hours. There are limited spaces available at any given time at both spots for drop-in observers, so don’t wait until the last minute to do your observation- you may have to come back another day!
• San Marcos ECELS:
  • 8:00 am-12:00 pm & 3:00-5:00 pm (lunch 11:30 am, snack 3 pm)
• Escondido ECELS:
  • 8:00am-11:30am and 1:00pm-4:00pm

Group Observations (San Marcos Only):

• Palomar faculty must coordinate with the ECELS Leadership Team at least two (2) weeks in advance of the requested observation date. Faculty will be responsible for ensuring all students are signed in and procedures are followed.
• Full class observation groups will be divided to maintain safe ratios: no more than 24 students, and a maximum of 2 students in the infant room (Room 1) at a time. Students will be split into small groups and distributed throughout the facility.
• The course instructor must remain present during the entire visit to support and supervise their class.
• All other observation guidelines must be met by the student (picture ID, sign in/out, wearing badge/lanyard, phone restrictions, etc.)

Observation Guidelines

To ensure a safe, respectful, and professional observation experience, please follow these guidelines when observing at the Early Childhood Education Learning Site (ECELS).

• Maintain student privacy.
  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all children and families.
  • Do not take photographs, videos, or share identifying information about children, families, or staff.
• Observe only in appropriate settings.
  • Observations should not take place while children are in the restroom or during nap/rest time.
• Remain supervised at all times.
  • Observers must always be under the supervision of a teacher or staff member. You should never be left alone with children for any reason.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries.
  • When in the classroom, on the playground, or in areas where children and families are present, do not engage in play or conversation with children or families.
  • If a child approaches you, you may respond politely and briefly, for example, by saying, “I’m doing my homework right now”, and then redirect the child to their teacher or peers.
  • If a family member attempts to speak with you, kindly direct them to an ECELS staff member.
• Be unobtrusive.
  • Position yourself where you can observe without interrupting or influencing the children’s activities.
    • Your goal is to observe naturally occurring behavior while minimizing your presence.
• Dress professionally.
  • Wear clothing appropriate for a workplace setting.
    • Choose comfortable attire that allows you to sit, squat, and bend without exposing areas typically covered by a one-piece swimsuit.
    • Clothing or accessories with offensive graphics, images, or words are not permitted.
• Avoid interrupting staff.
  • Do not engage teachers or staff in conversation while they are interacting with children. If you have questions about your observation or assignment, contact your course instructor, not ECELS teachers or staff.
• Bring only necessary materials.
  • Avoid bringing large bags, open purses, or backpacks into the classroom. Carry only the materials you need for your observation.
• Follow course and program guidelines.
  • Be sure to review and follow the CHDV Observation Requirements and Suggestions outlined in the Student Success Guide.