Los Angeles Valley College Child Development Program Paper

Observation and Checklist

Worth up to 55 points

OPEN DATE: MONDAY, Nov. 15th
CLOSED DATE: TUESDAY, Nov. 30th
DUE DATE: TUESDAY, Nov. 30th

Purpose

To observe the physical environment of an early childhood program and gain insight into aspects that make-up a developmentally appropriate program for young children.

Child Care Video

• Watch the assigned video.
• Take detailed handwritten notes as you watch the video. Do not type your notes.

Observation Checklist and Comment Section

General Information

Type of Program:

Age Group of Children:

Mark an “X” next to either of the following when completing this section.

N/O = Not Observed
Y = yes
N = no

The Learning Philosophy

• The activities are mostly child-centered. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• There are many opportunities for creative expression and divergent thinking. ___Y ___N ___N/O

Play and Learning

• Children have maximum opportunities to socialize with their peers. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• There is a variety of activities/materials. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• Activities are mostly academic-based. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• Free choice is common. ___Y ___N ___N/O

The Physical Environment

• The room is organized and neat. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• Children have space to move around. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• There is a variety of learning centers. ___Y ___N ___N/O

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

• Children are offered healthy foods. ___Y ___N ___N/O
• Teachers promote healthy habits. ___Y ___N___N/O
• The environment is clean/hygienic. ___Y ___N___N/O

Comments and Observations:

(Type at least 2 important points you observed from the video)

Observation Questions

Please remember to do the following when responding to questions:

• Use your notes to complete the questions below.
• Refer to Chapter 2 and subsequent chapters as well as other/additional resources embedded in the “Modules” page/tab.
• Give specific examples from the video and from the textbook or PowerPoint slides.
• Use complete sentences.
• Type a minimum of one (1) paragraph or 4 sentences for each question.
• Type your opinion while providing at least one (1) supporting statement from the eBook, PowerPoint slides and/or materials embedded into the “Modules” page/tab. (Example, “According to Herr, …etc.)
• Use references.

Examples on how to reference your sources:

• Website Page: Website Name. Title Website Page. URL ( copy and paste)
• Your eBook: Judy Herr, Ed.D. (2020). Working with Young Children, 9th Edition. Goodheart-Willcox.
• PowerPoint Slides: Herr, J. (Date). Title of Chapter [PowerPoint slides]. Child Development Department, LAVC.
• YouTube Video: Last Name, First Name Middle Name Initial. [Username]. (Year, Month Date). Title of video [Video]. Streaming Service. URL

1. In full specific detail, list and describe 2 appropriate practices that you observed in the video:

2. In full specific detail, list and describe 2 inappropriate practices that you observed in the video or 2 practices that can be improved:

3. Is the program you saw in the video purely/authentically play-based or mostly academic? Why or why not?

4. In full specific detail, in general, what is 1 improvement the program can do to provide best practices for young children? What is 1 advantage if families choose to enroll their children in this program?:

5. If this video were to be filmed during the pandemic, what 2 changes, modifications or accommodations would be made indoors and/or outdoors to insure the safety of children and others entering the facility?