Learning Environment Evaluation

Complete the following steps:

To get started:
Contact the Early Childhood Program Chair for your campus to find out your campus’ requirements for arranging observations in local early childhood programs. Requirements may have changed due to Covid-19 restrictions, so be sure to check ahead before trying to visit a childcare facility!
Follow your Program Chair’s instructions to make an appointment to visit a Paths To Quality Level 3 or 4 home or center. (If there are none in your local area, please ask your instructor for permission to observe in a different location.) Be sure to call ahead and get permission to visit and observe a classroom and outdoor play area designed for children between the ages of 2 and 6 years. (Note: You may need to provide a copy of your criminal history check and health screenings to enter the facility. Be sure to check ahead with the director so you can be prepared.)
Be sure to review the Learning Environment Evaluation Checklist before you go so you can see everything you need to observe. The observation should take at least an hour to complete.
Using the Learning Environment Evaluation Checklist, observe the environment closely and watch to see how children interact with the environment. When making notes, be sure to protect the confidentiality of children and families by using only general descriptions, such as “a 3-year-old boy” or children’s initials only. Never record children’s full names.
Place a check mark beside the items observed, adding anecdotal notes at the end of each of the sections. What did you observe? How did children interact with each other? How did adults interact with children? What materials were available to children? How did children interact with those materials?
Review of Findings (Summary):
After the observation checklist is completed, including your anecdotal notes, complete the last page of the observation, reflecting on what you observed, strengths of the classroom and outdoor environment, and any areas that need improvement.
You will submit the entire checklist, including your anecdotal notes, as well as your summary.

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