HEAD START®

Observation and Recording: Tools for Decision Making

Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community

Table of Contents | Preface | Introduction | Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4
| Continuing Professional Development | Resources
Appendices: Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D | Appendix E

Table of Contents

Download the entire Observation and Recording: Tools for Decision Making Guide (PDF/5MB)

Preface

Introduction

Overview
     Purpose
     Outcomes
     Audience
     Performance Standards
     Organization

Definition of Icons
At A Glance

Module 1: Using Observation in Early Childhood Programs

Outcomes
Key Concepts
Background Information
Activity 1-1: Matching Goals and Approaches
Activity 1-2: Observation Has Many Forms
Activity 1-3: Off and Running
Activity 1-4: Writing a Winning Running Record
Next Steps: Ideas to Extend Practice

Handout 1: What's Helpful, What's Not?
Handout 2: What Would You Recommend?
Handout 3: Observing Strengths and Weaknesses
Handout 4: Try Your Hand at Observation
Handout 5: Running Record Recording Form
Handout 6: Guidelines for Accurate and Objective Recording
Handout 7: Accurate? Objective?

Module 2: Overcoming Observation Challenges

Outcomes
Key Concepts
Background Information
Activity 2-1: Scotty Must Have Done It!
Activity 2-2: Breaking Down Preconceptions
Activity 2-3: Making Time for Observation
Activity 2-4: No Excuses
Next Steps: Ideas to Extend Practice

Handout 8: Scotty Must Have Done It!
Handout 9: Labels and Objectivity
Handout 10: Tips for Overcoming Preconceived Notions during Observation
Handout 11: Keeping Preconceptions in Check
Handout 12: Overcoming Observation Challenges
Handout 13: Reflections on Observations
Handout 14: How Did It Go?

Module 3: Working with Parents to Enhance Observations

Outcomes
Key Concepts
Background Information
Activity 3-1: What Would Parents Say?
Activity 3-2: Making Parents Observational Partners
Activity 3-3: What Do Parents Want?
Activity 3-4: At Your Service
Next Steps: Ideas to Extend Practice

Handout 15: Portfolio #1-Dana Y.
Handout 16: Portfolio #2-Eduardo H.
Handout 17: What Else Do I Need?
Handout 18: Looking to Parents for Help
Handout 19: I've Got a Question

Module 4: Interpreting and Using Observation Results

Outcomes
Key Concepts
Background Information
Activity 4-1: Valid vs. Invalid
Activity 4-2: Time for Interpretation
Activity 4-3: The Big Picture
Activity 4-4: Where Do I Go from Here?
Next Steps: Ideas to Extend Practice

Handout 20: Interpreting Observational Data
Handout 21: Making Inferences
Handout 22: Supplemental Parent Information for the Portfolio of Dana Y.
Handout 23: Supplemental Parent Information for the Portfolio of Eduardo H.
Handout 24: Action!

Continuing Professional Development

Resources

Appendices

Appendix A: Sample Observation Records
Appehdix B: Red Flag Words
Appendix C: Confidentiality
Appendix D: The Portfolio and Its Use
Appendix E: Description of Observation Instruments