Assignment #1: Interviews, Observations, & Essay For this assignment you will schedule interviews with two

different programs, in order to: conduct interviews with the site director, perform an observation of interaction between two children, and identify/observe two different interest centers at each site. You will then summarize this information in an essay.
1. Review the school brochure or web site prior to the visit to see if the

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program approach is one that they are interested in learning more about. Next, call in advance to schedule an appointment. It is recommended that you do this the first week of the course Select two programs from the list of program types (in chapter oneArce text) and arrange a visit with the director or lead teacher at two different early childhood programs in the community you live or work. Schedule an interview with each of the selected programs site director or lead teacher. Also request permission to perform an observation of two interest centers. The goal of the interviews is to gather information regarding the curriculum of two programs and the underlying philosophy of the program. Develop a list of six questions about the programs educational philosophy and curriculum that you will ask during the interview. It is suggested that you read Chapter 5 of the Arce text which summarizes many of the curriculum models and please use the readings to assist you in creating your questions. After you completed steps 1-4 you will be ready for your visit. Be sure to print and complete the forms on Doc Sharing which will assist you in gathering information related to interest centers and child interaction at each site. (This will be used to complete your written assignment.) Also, print the field log which will need to be submitted with your assignment.

6. Next, prepare a written response summarizing the interview and

discussing your findings related to the form and questions below. Be sure to include the following information for each site: What is the programs philosophy?

What opportunities for family and community involvement are offered by the program? How is curriculum planned by the teaching staff?

Describe the curriculum of each program in relation to the major curriculum approaches discussed in Chapter 5, Curriculum for Young Children text (ie. Reggio, Montessori). Discuss activities one might find at each center and explain your understanding of how activities are planned by the teaching staff. Lastly, share how completing this assignment will improve your ability to offer quality experiences to young children.

The essay should be at least 4 pages in length (but no more than 6 pages); double spaced; typed with Times New Roman, 12 pt font; a cover page noting the course name, student name, Professor's name, and date; and a reference page. (The required number of pages does not include the cover page or the reference page. Always make sure to cite your sources, and list your references at the end of your paper. This paper will be worth 40 points. Late assignments will have 10% deducted. Please submit the assignment through the drop box labeled Assignment #1. This assignment will be due on the last day of Week 3 by midnight.

The following includes two data collection forms that you will need to fill out to complete Assignment #1. These forms will provide you with the format for collecting your data. The first one involves collecting information regarding Interest Centers/Learning Centers in an early childhood classroom. The second involves observing two children per site engaged in a spontaneous play experience and discussing the circumstances surrounding the play experience. One of the goals of these forms is to provide you with opportunities to see children in learning through play experiences. Remember, these two sheets are only a portion of the assignment. Please refer to the syllabus for a more detailed description of the assignment.

Assignment 1: Interest Center/Learning Center Sheet [Forms from Doc Sharing]

The following are to be completed at each site: Visit two programs for young children. Please complete one sheet per site. Identify two interest centers and collect the following information: the purpose of the center, the materials, and the benefits. This information will be integrated into your paper. Name of Site #1: A. Name of Interest Center Reviewed: Purpose of Center: Equipment found in Interest Center: What do you think is the value of this center to a young child? B. Name of Interest Center Reviewed: Purpose of Center: Equipment found in Interest Center: What do you think is the value of this center to a young child?

Name of Site #2: A. Name of Interest Center Reviewed: Purpose of Center: Equipment found in Interest Center: What do you think is the value of this center to a young child? B. Name of Interest Center Reviewed: Purpose of Center: Equipment found in Interest Center: What do you think is the value of this center to a young child?
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Spontaneous Play at Site #1 Record the spontaneous play behavior of two different children in the early childhood setting. Describe the circumstances (setting, play, people, materials, or time) that created the situations for the children to play. Did the child discover or create. Child #1___________________________________________ Date: Location: Observed Behavior: Circumstances: Child #2___________________________________________ Date: Location: Observed Behavior: Circumstances:

Spontaneous Play at Site #2 Record the spontaneous play behavior of two different children in the early childhood setting. Describe the circumstances (setting, play, people, materials, or time) that created the situations for the children to play. Did the child discover or create?

Child #1___________________________________________ Date: Location: Observed Behavior: Circumstances:

Child #2___________________________________________ Date: Location: Observed Behavior: Circumstances: