SITE OBSERVATION FOR PRACTICUM 2

Tuesday February 23, 2016 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

FAMILY FORUM HEAD START
301 13th Avenue East
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-5035
Head Start Program
Philosophy:
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive educational programs and services to
children and their families. Partnering with families and communities to build school
readiness for all children through passionately committed relationships that connect
families to goal oriented outcomes.

Number of Staff: maximum number of children per room is 19. Each room has at
least one main teacher and a teachers aide. The inclusive room has one main
teacher, a public school teacher, one therapist, and a teachers aide.

Average training level: 3 main teachers have Bachelors degrees, one main teacher
has an Associates degree, and one main teacher has a teaching certificate. The
Teachers assistants one has a bachelors degree, one has Early childhood education
associates degree, and two have C.D.A.

Questions:
1) Do the childrens behaviors change from one area in the room to another? If
so how?
Yes, the pet store seems to be the area that excites the children. There is a list for
the pet store and they are taking turns. The children move freely from each center
by tickets. When they move they are respectful and move freely.

2) Does the teacher need to remind the children of the proper way to behave in
any area?
I saw one time the teacher had to intervene with a child. She wanted to know if two
children wanted to play in the pet store. The child was playing with a cake. He was
reminded not to yell and use words. P. said please stop P. stayed and played with
the cake and the teacher went and asked the next child on the list.

3) What in the environment holds the childrens interest? How do they express
that interest?
The space are abundant that each child has a variety of activities to play. Three are
playing with a doll. Two are in the dramatic play area. Two are at the art center. Two
are working with magnetic triangles. Two are in the science area shaking plastic
eggs. Two are in the pet store. One is at the table playing with animals and the O.T.
is showing him a card with taking turn pictures on.

4) Do the children use the equipment and materials in an appropriate manner?

Yes, two children are cutting in the sensory area. One is drawing at the easel. All the
children are using the equipment and materials in an appropriate manner.

5) How would you assess the overall arrangement of the classroom or

playground? Is there enough space for the children to move around freely? To
engage in the activities for which the space is intended?

The classroom is arraigned with the activity centers on the outside of the room.
There are two round tables in the middle of the room. They have an art center,
math center, read and write center, science center, a circle time with a carpet with
colored squares with the childrens names on the squares, a sensory center, and
two easels. In the front of the room is a hand washing center and the cabinets for
the teachers supplies.

6) Are there quiet comfort places for children?

Yes, there are two different reading areas. One has pillows and blankets. Another
reading center has two small couches and books. It has a basket full of toy puppies
the children can read to.

7) Is there a place for parents?

There is a regular size chair for the main teacher in circle time. The adults are either
on the floor with the children or at the tables working with the children. This is not
a set for a place for parents. My coat and purse were kept in the main office, not
brought into the classroom.

8) Is there a nice balance between quiet and active activities?

Yes, the art center, two reading areas are quiet areas. The pet store and dramatic
play area is lively with children playing. The science center is loud with children
shaking the eggs to make noise.

9) Are there a wide variety of experiences available to accommodate wide

ranges in interests and development?

yes

10)
Do adults respectfully facilitate, guide, encourage, and nurture each
childs self-esteem, competence, and self-reliance?

Yes, there are four different adults in the room, 2 teachers, which one is a public
school teacher, a teachers aide, and a therapist which mainly stays with one child.
When there is mistaken behavior both children are allowed to talk and they are
encouraged to work look each other in the eye when they are saying; Excuse me
or May I play with that toy?

11)
Is there adequate storage areas? Are they clearly labeled and
accessible to teachers?

Yes, all storage areas are not marked as teachers but there are the same color.
There are drawers and closed sliding cabinets. All the teachers storage areas are
closed. They are all wooden cabinets

12)
Are shelves clearly marked and labeled with pictures for children to put
away their toys/supplies?

Yes, there are shelves in every center for when the toys are organized and clearly
seen for when they want to be played with again.

ROOM DESIGN