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CDC Observation Guidelines

Welcome to the Mt. SAC Child Development Center (CDC).  We are pleased that you have chosen our center for your observation.  Our program will be in operation during your visit so please respect the work of the children and teachers by following the guidelines below.

    • 1Check-In

      Stop at the front desk to check in and put on a name tag. Wear your name tag during each observation.

    • 2Turn off Cell Phones

      Turn off cell phones - no calls or texting in the center.

    • 3No Photos

      Do not take photos of the children or the environment. If you need photos for your assignment, speak with the teacher.

    • 4Restricted Items

      Do not bring food, drinks, gum, backpacks, purses, etc. into the classroom.

    • 5Know your Assignment
      Be familiar with the assignment before you arrive. There is no space in the classroom to spread out notebooks, textbooks, etc.
    • 6Speak with your Professor
      If you do not understand the assignment you need to speak with your professor. The classroom staff’s main responsibility is to care for the children and they may not  be available to help you with your assignment.
    • 7Confidentiality/Privacy
      Do not discuss children’s behavior with staff, parents, or other students. All observations are to be kept confidential. 
    • 8When in Observation...
      Sit in chairs provided, not on classroom furniture. Choose a location that allows you to see and hear the children, without sitting too close or standing over them.  It may make them feel uncomfortable and inhibit their play.  At the end of your observation, put away the chair.
    • 9Avoid Distractions
      Avoid sitting with other students and chatting.
    • 10When to Intervene During Observation
      If you observe a child engaged in harmful, dangerous, or inappropriate behavior, notify the center staff immediately. Intervene only if a child is in immediate danger.  Otherwise, do not interfere with children’s play. 
    • 11Students & Children
      Students may not be left alone with children for any reason nor are they allowed in any classroom alone.
    • 12Be Considerate
      Remember, you are visiting our classroom in order to complete your assignment, but we live here all week. Be considerate of our classroom, children, and staff.  If you have questions concerning our program, speak to the teacher at a convenient time.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your visit.
Note: If the student refuses to comply with these policies, the Child Development Center reserves the right to prohibit her/him from continued observation.
The Child Development Center is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property.