ECE 104: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Program Observation Assignment #1
Date Due: ____________________________________________________________
The goal of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to learn about
some of the types of care and education programs for young children by visiting two
different early childhood education programs (children between birth and 8 years
of age). You are to observe two programs over the course of the semester, focusing
on the specific areas listed below. Each program needs to be observed for at least
one hour. You might need more time in order to gather the necessary information.
Use this format for this observation. For your Introduction, list the following
information:
Introduction:
Name the program
Location of the program
Type of program
Name of the director
Number and age range of all of the children served in the program
Date and time of visit
Name of specific room observed
Number and age of the children in the room observed
Number and titles of teaching staff present (and any other adults present)
For the body of your observation, include descriptions of the following areas and
program components:
1. Give a complete overview of the building and location of the center.
Briefly describe what type of building houses the center. Then describe the
complete physical setting of the center, including the number and
arrangements of all the rooms and any special features of the center. You
may create a map of the center if you wish. If you do a map, you must still
include a commentary about the physical set-up and any special features of
the program.
2. Describe the outside playground. Discuss this area in terms of size
(dimensions), location, physical arrangement and types of materials and
equipment. Include a description of any special playground features. Add a
commentary on what you think of the playground. Is it developmentally
appropriate, is there enough for children to do, etc.? You may submit a map
of the playground, but also include a commentary about the size, location,
arrangement of equipment, and any special features.
3. Describe the specific room observed.
Include size (dimensions),
arrangement, and types of learning areas (art or dramatic play, etc.),
equipment, and materials. Offer a commentary about these features with
regard to developmentally appropriate layout and use of the space in the
early childhood classroom. You may submit a map of the classroom and still
include a summary of all required information listed here in Number 3.
4. Describe the activities in progress during your visit. Request to see a
copy of the room schedule if available and determine which “segment” you
are observing. Clearly describe what children were doing and the kinds of
materials and equipment they were using at the time. How were they using
the materials? What were the teachers doing? How were they interacting
with the children?
Offer comments about the developmental
appropriateness of the activities and equipment as well.
5. Describe the emotional climate of the room. (Form example, busy,
bustling, quiet, tense, relaxed, loud) Consider children’s and adults’ body
language and facial expressions as well as tone of voice. Write any dialog
between children and adults that you might overhear that might clarify the
emotional climate of the room. How did the children and adults relate to
each other socially and emotionally?
6. Describe the goals and philosophy of the program (sometimes called the
educational goals). Request a program brochure or other literature that has
the program’s goals and/or philosophy. (You may also visit the program’s
website, if needed.) Quote the philosophy or put it in your own words.
Describe any evidence of the stated philosophy you see in the classroom (e.g.
activities; schedule, materials; teacher-child relationships; child-child
relationships).
7. Describe how parents participate in the program. You may obtain some
of this information from printed information, but you might have to ask the
teacher or other staff. Also look at bulletin boards for evidence of family
participation (parent meetings, field trips, etc.) Note any evidence of parent
participation in the center or classroom during your visit.
8. Explain your overall impression of the center and the specific
classroom you observed. Include description of what you think are the
program’s strengths and challenges. Include how you might improve the
challenges/weaknesses. Consider whether you would enjoy working here or
if you would enroll your child in this program.
Program Observation Guidelines
A. Choose your centers carefully. Use the list of NAEYC Accredited center as your
guide.
B. Call the center well ahead of time to schedule a visit and tell the director the
purpose of your visit. You might need to call more than once.
C. Dress professionally and be prompt. Remember to give your letter of introduction
to the director.
D. Be inconspicuous during your visit and move around the room quietly as you
observe all areas.
E. If you are unable to obtain all required information through observing, ask the
teacher or director if they have time to answer a few questions. If they don’t have
time while you are there, ask if there is a time to call them and ask a few questions.
F. Observe two different types of programs from the following list:
Infant-toddler full day program
Preschool full-day program (children 3-5 years of age)
Preschool part-day program (sometimes called a nursery school)
Montessori Program; Head Start Program; Before and/or After School
Program (sometimes call School-Age Program)
G. Do not observe where you work or where you have been previously employed;
or a program affiliated with a high school, or your child’s school, or a center
where you have previously visited.
Also not, if you do one program observation at one of Oakton’s early childhood
programs, you need to do the other assignment at a totally different early
childhood program.
This program observation assignment is worth 80 points. Points will be earned for the
following criteria:
Neatness/appearance
Writing level/organization
Understanding or material/application of course content
Adherence of assignment directions
This paper will be form 6-10 pages, typed, and double-spaced. The use of clear, descriptive
objective language is critical. Examples are expected. As stated in the syllabus, late papers
will only be accepted one (1) class session past the due date and will be marked down a full
letter trade. Please speak to me if you have any questions or concerns about this
assignment.