I. Program and Location

The Child Development Center provides an early childhood education program for two-and-one-half to five-years olds. From September to May there is an A.M. group which meets from 8:30-11:30 and from 1:00-4:00, Monday through Friday. The Center follows the University schedule and is closed during final exams and holidays. During the first summer session, children attend 8:30-12:30 Monday through Thursday.

The Center is located in the north section of Johnston Hall. There are two Observation Booths in the Center. Area #1 is located through the main door to the Child Development Center and will accommodate 12 observers at one time. Area #2 is accessible through the far north door to the Center and will also accommodate 12 observers at one time.

If all of the earphones are in use, you will need to leave and to complete your observations at another time. (Generally it's the most crowded just before assignments are due so it's best to complete your observations early.)

The children also take trips away from the Center occasionally. A calendar indicating the days the children will be gone is posted a week in advance of the trip on the bulletin board by area #1 observation boothís door.

II. Procedures

A. If there is space available, sign the observer register (on the counter in the observation booth) with your name, course name/number and time you arrived.

B. Turn on the sound system on the shelf above the observation window (if it is not already on) and put on earphones. Sound is also controlled for each earphone by a knob under the writing ledge.

C. Do not talk, eat, or smoke while in the Child Development Center or observation area.

D. If you are observing a particular child or activity and you are unable to see from the observation area, or if the group goes outside, please feel free to quietly enter the classroom or go to the yard. You are also welcome to follow along and continue your observation if the children go on walks. Please stand outside the playground fence when observing outside and be as unobtrusive as possible in the classroom. Stand or sit around the edge of the classroom and do not talk with the children. If the children try to initiate a conversation, tell them once quietly but firmly that you are learning about the kinds of things children do at the Center and do not continue eye contact. If a child persists, you should change locations.

III. Confidentiality

We have posted a list of the children's first names and ages by group for observers' information. However, in order to protect the privacy of the children participating in the Center, we ask that you use a pseudonym in any written materials or class discussions. Observations of the children should not be discussed except in the professional setting.