CLASS
How many attempts are given to pass a CLASS certification test
3 attempts
What should an observer do the morning of an observation before going to the observation
Call ahead to verify teachers are present and room is open.
How many cycles should each observation have?
4 cycles
What are some things home providers might ask you to do upon arrival?
-Take shoes off, wear booties, clean shoes
-Wear a mask
-Wash hands
-Sit/stand somewhere specific
Who is responsible for setting up feedback with the lead teacher following an observation?
The observer
How many probationary observations must new observers complete to be an official observer?
3 probationary observations
How do you know when you've been scheduled for an observation?
If an observation needs to be an alternate observer, needs to be canceled or rescheduled, who should be contacted first?
Rachel Kurtz
Parking and Pets: When is it acceptable to ask about parking and pets and what is acceptable to request?
When you send your introduction email/call. Since you are going to a home we want to be mindful and not block cars and driveways.
For observers own safety, it is oaky to request (during intro email) that pets are secured in another part of the house during the observation.
Who should the observer send the report/feedback form to after the feedback session?
The lead teacher, the director, the assistant teacher (if requested), and to ChildSavers through teams
How often does a CLASS observer need to recertify?
Every Year
When should observers reach out to programs for introductions?
A week in advance or as soon as possible.
Observations can be canceled or rescheduled for what reasons?
-Observer is sick/emergency
-Lead teacher is out
-Class is closed
-Sudden illness in the classroom (vomiting, covid exposure, etc.)
Mixed age groups: How should an observer figure out which tool to use for the observation?
Use the tool that best fits the majority of the children. If unsure call Rachel Kurtz or Morgan Colleton.
What timeframe does an observer have to give feedback and how many attempts can be made?
The observer has 48 hours (business days) to give feedback to the teacher.
Observers should make 3 attempts to give feedback before sharing feedback and report electronically.
What are the age ranges for each level of CLASS? Infant, Toddler, PreK
Infant: 0-18 months
Toddler:16-36 months
PreK: 3-5 years
What does an observer need to have with them for an observation?
-Manual
-Score sheets
-ID/ChildSavers Badge
-Writing Utensils
A class decides to go outside at the 15min mark of a PreK observation. What should the observer do?
- Pause the observation
- Wait until the class returns
- Observe remaining 5 minutes before coding
Prek & Toddler must have four full 20 minute cycles. Infants must have four full 15 minute cycles
Smells/Art/Decorations: You might see, hear, or smell things that you're not used to based on different cultures. What is the one thing to remember while observing?
Remain objective - different cultures may look different than you're used to, but always ask "does this impact the interactions or observation?"
What needs to be completed in full before giving feedback?
Score summary must be completed in full to determine the teacher's areas of focus
- strengths
- Area of growth
How many dimensions are in Infant, Toddler, PreK?
Infant: 4 dimensions
Toddler: 8 dimensions
PreK: 10 dimensions
How long does an observer have to complete and submit their score summary and report to teams?
48 hours
While in an observation you notice a child asleep in a crib with a blanket or that the class is out of ratio. When should you say something to the teacher or director?
Unless there is an immediate safety concern (Choking, child escaping the room, child about to fall off of furniture) The observer should not interrupt the observation - it is okay to speak with the teacher/director about safe sleep practices and ratios on the way out.
Are home providers required to be licensed to have a home childcare and participate in VQB5
They do not - providers could be voluntarily registered, subsidy providers, licensed or legally unlicensed as long as they are within VDEO and state guidelines.
Can feedback be given to multiple people if requested? (Example: lead teacher, assistant teacher, and director)
Yes - If the assistant teacher and/or the director also request feedback it is okay to include them in the feedback call/zoom.
Directors should make it clear to their teachers and the observers if they want to be included in feedback.