Whole Child Observation Procedures
Purpose:
Identify any new or recurring developmental concerns, changes in physical appearance or emotional and behavioral patterns and make appropriate referrals if warranted.
To provide a curriculum that is responsive to each child’s individual needs.
Ensure multiple sources of information are utilized in all aspects of each child’s development and behavior.
Scope:
This pertains to all MCI Head Start staff in contact with the participating Head Start child and families. All staff members are responsible for documenting observations in the child’s file.
Authority:
1304.20(b)(3), 1304.20(d), 1304.20(f)(1),1304.21(c)(2), 1304.24(a) (1)(ii)
Policy:
At a minimum education staff will enter a whole child observation weekly. Other staff may add their own observation however these observations will not be considered substitutes but in addition too the education staffs requirement.
Documentation will reflect the whole child, such as descriptions of actions, quotations of language, descriptions of a gesture, descriptions of a facial expression, descriptions of a creation, and the child’s descriptions of pertinent situations/information. Documentation will be balanced; if the initial entry is to be of a negative connotation then a positive will be added.
Procedure:
On a weekly basis one (1) objective observation of the child must be entered into the child’s PROMIS case notes file.
All observations must contain the initials of the author along with the date of the event. If an incident is to be recorded that will encompass more than one child. The other child or children’s names are to be restated to identify as a male/female child or another student.
Objective observations can be written when the writer follows a basic rule of thumb. After viewing the event, ask:
1. Who was involved?
2. Where did the event happen?
3. What happened? (describe in detail)
4. When did the event happen? (give some sort of time line)
Objectivity is best obtained by refraining from these types of words:
Feeling Words--shy, happy, angry and mellow
That pertain to ones intelligence—smart, stupid, dumb, average and overachiever
That would give why—provoked, forced, helpful or tricked
That pertains to ones self-concept—weak, strong, secure or athletic
Tip:
There are several ways to record observations; one way is to carry a notepad in a pocket (for a quick reference)
Sample:
Friday, June 23, 2006
This morning Johnny came off the bus crying, when asked what happen he said that “someone hit me in the head”. I looked at his head and there was a small bump.
We walked over to the kitchen and requested an ice pack. Johnny told me after 5 minutes or so that he was feeling better. I called mom and wrote up an accident report.
Spoke with the bus aide and she identified the student and stated that it was an accident that the child sitting next to him rushed off the bus and threw the seat belt off.
The incident was discussed with the child. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- TH