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?