Evaluation of Two Preschool Classrooms Using Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale

A “high-quality” preschool program is curriculum based with certified teachers and a low child to teacher ratio (Robin, Frede, & Barnett, 2006, p. 1)

My philosophy of Early childhood education is based on research that indicates that a child’s growth is developmental. Every child is unique in terms of life experiences, developmental readiness, and cultural heritage. A high quality early childhood program that provides a safe and nurturing environment, which promotes physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development will ensure a positive continuation of the child’s education process

Center-based learning means that teachers group materials for one type of focus together. There are a variety of centers involved in an early childhood classroom including science, math, blocks, dramatic play, music, literacy, reading, and technology. Each of these centers focuses and improves different skills and

Along with knowing the purpose of quality daycare/child care facilities, the next important factor is to be aware of what generates a high quality daycare/child care facility. It is vital to know the characteristics because these prime objectives are the driving forces influenced by what children need in order to succeed and grow in their developmental skills. Fundamentally, “High quality [preschool] education can support early development in ways that yield long term social, cognitive and emotional benefits” (Barnett 2005, p1). The most essential aspect of a high quality facility are the trained, certified and attentive teachers hired to support children’s developmental needs. They ensure this by respectful interaction,

Any evaluations or outside observations rating an early childhood classroom can be beneficial for the staff members. It offers staff or the childcare director to evaluate what may be working within the classroom environment and what areas may need improving. My particular ITERS-R rating score may be somewhat inaccurate based on the timing of the assessment. Social Sparks Social Emotional Center has just purchased a larger building and will be moving at the end of May. Although, the center has only been open for two years, they quickly outgrew their space with the high demand of social emotional coaching for children with multiple disabilities. Due to the upcoming move, the staff have been sorting old items and limiting the purchasing of new

All of these elements are important for a practice or program, however, the three elements I feel that are more important are; 1) creating a caring community of learners 2) Teaching to enhance development and learning 3) Planning curriculum to achieve important goals. Creating a caring community, communities are very influential for children beginning school and being immerged into a place outside the home, sometimes for the first time. It is vital to create a safe and warm environment for children where they can learn social skills and how to treat others. Teaching to enhance development and learning is a happy mixture of adult-guided and child-guided but has the teacher being the one in charge and responsible for directing and supporting the child. Planning curriculum to achieve important goals, programs must have a curriculum based on goals that are significant for children development. Lakeridge UMC accomplishes these three guidelines by incorporating play with peers and academics and staffing caring teachers. This program also gives its kids some freedom by not having to ask to go to the bathroom but just going, instead of interrupting the class which also fulfills creating a caring community guideline. Lakeridge no doubt follows the guidelines for a successful

Sub Goal: Identify strengths and those in need of improvement of the CSI department and entrance criteria as it relates to the learning program at Colonial Road School for 4th & 5th graders.

In today's society, early childhood education programs have become an almost expected first step in every child's life. Studies have shown that when children attend they children who attend a preschool program are exposed to numbers, letter, and shapes on a daily basis. They also begin to learn many life skills, like how to socialize, share and separate from their parents. These first steps of learning are so important that now forty states in the U.S. now offer state funded pre-k programs (Kanter, 2016). With some many different preschools and early childhood programs, how do parents know if the programs are being held to a certain standard? The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) is one comprehensive assessment tool available. Using this tool while quietly observing a preschool classroom, will help to define areas of strength as well as areas needing to be strengthened. The scale has thirty five different areas that are divided into six subscales, that will be observed. Each question is yes or no answer to a specific question and example.

After completing the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, I see that there is much need for improvement in certain sections. On the other hand, many areas need no improvement at all. For example, the section on toileting and diapering needs no improvement along with staff use of books with children and encouraging children’s use of books. All three of these areas scored a rating of seven, meaning that all standards were met during my observation and there is no need for any type of improvement. Although there are many areas that scored a seven, there are also many areas that scored a one or a two, meaning there is much room for improvement. For example, encouraging children to use language scored a one, which shows us it needs much enhancement. Along with this, nature and science scored a two and discipline scored a one. Both of these areas also need much development and improvement.

As with any form of change, there are always risks involved that need to be addressed. With the proposed changes to the curriculum, class structure, and policies of the school, there are several risks, but the payoff greatly outweighs the risks. There are two major risks involved with the changes proposed to the curriculum. The cause for concern is the ability of both the students and the teachers to adapt to the changes to the curriculum. Veteran teachers are reluctant to change since many of them have been teaching using the same methods and the same materials for years. The issue will be getting these veteran teachers on board with the new adjustments to the curriculum by changing their teaching methods and creating new materials. If teachers fail to make the necessary adjustments, then the new plans will fall apart and the students will suffer educationally as a result. Ultimately in the end, the teachers at Archbishop Wood High School would be able to make the adjustments in due time.

The curriculum being used is Orange Curriculum. Specifically, the early childhood uses First Look and the elementary through 6th grade uses 252 Basics. This curriculum focuses mainly on Bible truths through application in everyday life. There are a lot of skits and hands on activities that are used to enforce the Biblical truths being conveyed. The director also thinks there are a few things missing from this curriculum, and so she is trying to incorporate more focus on reading and using the Bible and on missions and service. I think for the group of students attending this church, this is a good program. Especially as Alyssa is trying to incorporate other aspects she feels are missing from the curriculum.

In this paper is focus on the early childhood education environment design of a preschool classroom. The materials that will be in the classroom and the purpose of why the material are chosen. The location of the preschool and the climate, geographic features, landscaping, the environment impact and more. The reason for designing this preschool and the different materials that are used to create this imaginary preschool. And the inspiration of what it takes to create an environment suitable for the preschool.

This document is designed for a Childcare and Education Student to explain how Oak Tree Nursery Class provides a positive environment for its children.

“Low child/teacher ratios. Small group size. Staff with higher education. Positive teacher/child interactions. Age appropriate activities.”

High quality education is an opportunity that every child should be able to access. Numerous children have untapped potential that goes unexercised due to educational environments that are not conducive the utmost development of childhood education. In order to create a prosperous environment for childhood education we must first understand what makes high performing schools, learn how to create high performing schools and ultimately promote the motivation and fulfillment of childhood learning and advancement. Research shows that nine factors make up high performing schools (Center, 1999): a clear and shared focus, high standards and expectations for all students, effective school leadership, high levels of collaboration and communication, curriculum, instruction and assessments aligned with state standards, frequent monitoring of teaching and learning, focused professional development, a supportive learning environment, high levels of parents and community involvement (Mayer, Mullens, & Moore, 2000).