I Can't Believe It!

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

We had our last CDA observation visit today, and the children were awful! They fought like cats, several of them wouldn't come to circle time (instead they were dragging out all the art supplies and making a huge mess), they fought some more, the ones who did come to circle time wouldn't be quiet (all they did was argue and fight over who sat where, and who touched who, and talked over me the whole time, even when I tried to read a story, which usually gets their attention, or when we'd sing a theme related song). So I ended circle time, seeing it wasn't working, then they were so loud they couldn't hear me telling them what special activities we had for that day, then they fought some more, and a couple 4 yr old girls actually got into a "rolling on the floor hitting and pinching fight" right in front of the observer. Finally things calmed down for a few minutes and they were quietly playing together and getting along, then it was snack time...and the chaos started again. UGH! I just knew we'd gotten a lot of bad marks for this observation visit, even without her saying anything. But actually, she complimented us and told us she was really impressed with what she saw. That the children acting like that was normal for this generation, and it's our reaction to their behavior that matters. That we never missed a beat, was so patient with them, etc. And our daycare was one of the best home daycares she has observed! I couldn't believe it! I was so encouraged by her comments! Even after the crazy day that it was... and after how awful the children behaved, she said it was normal and happens at any daycare she's ever observed... I thought we just had a much more difficult group than most daycares and have questioned myself several times thinking it's my fault for doing or not doing something right. Just had to share. Maybe it will encourage some of you with difficult children on the worst days.

[nannyde]

My kids are very nice kids and are sweet to each other. If I had an observer come in they would start acting up within fifteen minutes.

They sense when you are weak and they react to your weakness with poor behavior.

I guess what doesn't make sense is that the observers know the kids act up pretty much everywhere they go so WHY do they observe? What can they possibly assess in your direct care of the kids other than how you manage to stay calm while the kids act up?

How is it valuable to see THAT?

If they are evaluating your space, materials, schedule, etc.. then they can do that when the kids are not in the house or when they are napping?

Do they ever consider that their presence affects the kids so much that everywhere they go the kids are mean to each other, disrespect the adults, refuse to follow directions, and tear up the environment so it's not GOOD for the kids or the provider to have them present?

The observer changes the environment so much that the purpose of the observation is inherently impossible to assess. If kids of this generation can't handle the observer being there then in the best interest of the kids they need to STOP that part of their evaluations.

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

Thank you! I agree, and have felt this way ever since I found out there would be a couple observations. A lot of what they want to see is the environment, materials, lay out, schedule, record keeping ability, showing our "professionalism" etc, but about half of it is also how we interact with the children, respond to them, do we build up their self esteem, or tear it down, do we encourage them to "use their words" and tell their feelings, etc, how much time we actually spend directly with them, playing, talking with, etc. So I can see a small amount of time observing us with them, even though they can't really get as accurate an assesment as they could if the children didn't know they were there (or us either, for that matter! I was so nervous it was hard to focus on the children!). But so much of it could be when the children are either napping or not there.
But I shouldn't complain too much. Our observer is the nicest, most encouraging, down to earth lady you'll ever meet, and she's actually been in our shoes before. She's worked in a center, been director at another center, and ran an inhome daycare, too. I have more respect for someone like that telling us how to do things than I do when it's someone who's never actually worked with the children to the same extent as us. They can brag about all their college degrees, and how long they've been high on the totem pole, telling child care providers how to do it, but until they've actually DONE what we do on an every day basis, I don't trust their advice as much.

[Crystal]

My kids are very nice kids and are sweet to each other. If I had an observer come in they would start acting up within fifteen minutes.

They sense when you are weak and they react to your weakness with poor behavior.

I guess what doesn't make sense is that the observers know the kids act up pretty much everywhere they go so WHY do they observe? What can they possibly assess in your direct care of the kids other than how you manage to stay calm while the kids act up?

How is it valuable to see THAT?

If they are evaluating your space, materials, schedule, etc.. then they can do that when the kids are not in the house or when they are napping?

Do they ever consider that their presence affects the kids so much that everywhere they go the kids are mean to each other, disrespect the adults, refuse to follow directions, and tear up the environment so it's not GOOD for the kids or the provider to have them present?

The observer changes the environment so much that the purpose of the observation is inherently impossible to assess. If kids of this generation can't handle the observer being there then in the best interest of the kids they need to STOP that part of their evaluations.

I can agree with this, but I also think it often has to do with the vibe the observer puts off. I do MANY observations, for 3 hours at a time and the majority of the time the children do not act up while I am observing. I get beautiful observations of the real relationships these children and teachers/providers have. I have done 5 assessments in the past three weeks and not once did the children get out of hand. Then, on the other hand, I know other assessors, who may be a bit "high strung" or standoffish and the children react to THAT! :confused:

[Crystal]

BTW, congratulations on your job well done!

[MsMe]

I had my CDA observation last October and my kids were fantastic!! One boy asked who she was and why she was there and after that they didn't even look at her. We had a great 3 hours (they were BETTER than normal) and I started having fun after the fear of beign observed wore off.


I just had my exam and oral interview this Tuesday so now I wait by the mail box....