13 Observing or Visiting Child Development Centers

If you haven’t already, you will soon find out that observation is an integral part of almost all our classes in the CHDV department. We value observation as an important aspect of the documentation process. We firmly believe that it is impossible to be a good caregiver or teacher if you are not a good observer. Observation is used to plan curriculum/activities, document any concerns and areas of growth, and to show how the child has progressed over the year with parents. There are some things you will need to consider before, during, and after your observations.

Classroom Ethics for CHDV Observations

The following guidelines apply to any student observing in any classroom or care environment.

Show Respect for the Child and Family

You must keep everything you see or hear confidential. You may not repeat anything about the staff, children, or facility that you become aware of as part of this course. A basic respect for others includes not talking about another person unless they are present and included in the conversation. Any information regarding the child’s behavior or the family situation is personal and must be accorded the respect for personal privacy demanded by professional ethics. This includes the “cute stories” of what happened in the classroom while you observed. Please use pseudonyms (fake names) for ALL children and teachers you write about in observations.

Human Relations in the Classroom

Teachers/providers will be involved with the children during your visit and should not be asked to talk with you or answer questions. You will arrange a time for the interview after the observation time. You should not talk to anyone during your observation time.

You may acknowledge a child if they approach you. If they ask, you can tell them you are watching them play today or doing your homework. Do not take part in their activities (unless directed by your professor and/or assignment). Please redirect persistent children back to their play or a teacher. Remember- you are not there to play with the children! You should be as unobtrusive as possible.

Be sure to move out of the way when the children and teachers are moving from one activity to another. Be aware of what is always going on around you.

Leave Personal Problems at the Gate

When you are in the classroom, you need all your energy focused on the observation and your assignment. If you are unable to be present and attentive during your observation, you need to reschedule.

Personal Appearance

When observing in the classroom wear comfortable, modest clothes that are washable. Be aware that you could have paint spilled on you, bleach marks from cleaning solutions, or dirty hands wiped on you at any point in time. Comfortable, closed-toe footwear is also important. Extra high, platform, or flip-flop shoes can be dangerous and clumsy when you are observing the classroom and moving with active young children. Halter tops, short shorts, and short skirts are not appropriate when observing in a classroom. When it comes to personal appearance, please use common sense in your choices. Remember, you are representing Palomar College, our department, and the profession when you are visiting classrooms.

Make a good impression!

Some Helpful Observation Insights

• To protect the safety of you and the children, you are NEVER to be alone with a child while in the classroom. A teacher/staff member must be always present.
• Always keep track of your observation materials. Do not put things down and walk away from them for any period of time.
• Once in the classroom, find an unobtrusive place to sit and observe.
  • Child size chairs are more appropriate than adult size. Also, sitting on the floor is often an option. Do not sit on any other furniture. Basically, you need to blend into the woodwork.
  • Your purpose is to observe, so if a child wants to play with or talk to you, you should say, “I am doing my homework right now so I can’t play.” The teachers should assist and redirect children to an activity if it becomes necessary.
• Try to keep a pleasant, neutral facial expression so the children and/or staff are neither drawn to you nor concerned about your response to them.
• Avoid adult chatting. You should not be talking during your observation. If the teacher starts to talk to you, kindly excuse yourself, stating that you need to get back to your assignment. Additionally, please do not engage children or teachers in conversation while you are visiting.
• Seek data that is factual and try not to interpret the facts until enough information has been gathered.
• Please bring in only what you need for your observation.
  • Large backpacks, purses, and bags should not be brought into the classroom as they cause distraction. You should be able to carry everything you need with you at all times.
• Remember, you are here only to observe, NOT make judgments about the program, families, children, or staff.
• No smoking, gum chewing, eating, or drinking (including coffee) of personal food items in the presence of children. You may have a bottle of water to drink, but no other items should be in the classroom with you.
• To maintain appropriate and professional behavior, and not disrupt the classroom environment, all electronic devices should be left outside the classroom. Use of cell phones can also violate safety policies. Your focus needs to be on the observation while you are there.

Specific contact information and procedures for observing at our Lab Schools is on the following page. Childcare centers and preschools outside of Palomar College will have their own observation guidelines that you must adhere to in addition to our SCC.