As a Quality First participant, assessment days are an opportunity to highlight your hard work. You may feel a surge of anticipation or nerves when your room is selected. As the assessor begins explaining the process and which portions of the day will be observed, you might consider changing your schedule.
But wait!
Why keeping your schedule matters
Children thrive with a regular, consistent schedule. Predictable routines provide a sense of security, support self-control and help children understand what comes next.
Think about how you feel when plans suddenly change, like a flight cancellation or needing to find last-minute arrangements for a sick child. Your heart races, palms sweat and stress rises. Children experience those same feelings when their routines change.
That’s why it’s important to keep things consistent every day.
Consistency supports regulation and reduces stress
Children and adults do best when daily routines are predictable. They know what to expect, and look forward to their favorite times of day. When schedules are changed, children may become dysregulated, making it harder for them to focus and behave as they typically do.
As a teacher, you juggle many responsibilities every day. Managing behaviors caused by unexpected changes can add stress to an already full day.
Assessment day reminders
Gross Motor Play Matters
Even if your CLASS observation doesn’t include outdoor time, don’t skip it! Many children especially look forward to when they can run and use their “outside voice.” Keeping this time consistent will help the assessor observe a typical day. Assessors expect to resume the observation once outdoor play is over.
Take a deeper look at your schedule
A strong daily schedule is one of the most important tools in an early childhood setting. A Quality First assessment is designed to capture what happens in your setting every day, but more importantly, a strong schedule supports children’s learning, behavior and sense of security all year long.
Consider what is negotiable and what is not. Then ask:
- How well is my schedule working? (For me, and for the children?)
- Are there opportunities for free play regularly throughout the day? Are these times long enough for children to engage in meaningful play?
- Are children engaged during group times? Which ones and when?
- Are transitions efficient?
If the answers are positive, your schedule is likely working well. If not, feedback from others may help you improve the flow of the day for everyone.
Want informal feedback?
If you’re wondering where your classroom currently stands with CLASS or ERS tools, you may choose to schedule an informal assessment. It follows the same process as a formal assessment but does not affect your star rating.
You’ll get an informal report to review with your support team (the coordinator, coach, CCHC and other consultants working with your program). They can support you in making your daily schedule, routines and transitions work even better.
Remember, feedback from Quality First assessors, coaches and consultants is meant to be supportive and help you reflect on your current practices. You know your program best. You decide what improvements to make and what is best for the children in your care.
Resources from around the web
The Importance of Schedules and Routines
Effective Transitions for Preschool Students
About the authors
Victoria Zavala – Victoria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has over 20 years of experience in the education field, including early childhood. She has been a Quality First Lead Assessor for 13 years and is passionate about her work to provide feedback and support to improve quality in programs across Arizona.
Mary Beth James – Mary Beth has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood, with an emphasis in working with children with exceptional learning needs. She has over 25 years of experience in early childhood and has been on the Assessment Team for 5 years, with the past 3 years as a Lead Assessor. Mary Beth is committed to helping programs improve quality care for all children throughout Arizona.