Program Tool
Program Tool

Staff Observation Tool

Virtual Lab School Focused Topics Leadership Essentials Lesson 5 Apply Staff Observation Tool
Program Tool
WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG
ACTIVITY ID: 25076
Name
Certifier
Date

As a program manager, you are primarily responsible for evaluating staff members’ performance. Staff observations and evaluations help staff understand your expectations and provide opportunities for feedback and professional growth. Use the following tool to support your observations of staff members’ performance. As you observe, indicate whether the staff member is emerging, developing or has mastered each practice. Provide objective examples during your observation to inform your performance ratings and follow-up discussions with staff.

E Emerging

Staff member is building their understanding and use of the practice

D Developing

Staff member understands the practice and is working to consistently or fully implement it

M Mastered

Staff member consistently displays or implements practice in an appropriate manner

Planning & Preparation

  1. Arranges the environment in a way that invites learning exploration.
    E
    D
    M
  2. Plans developmentally appropriate activities.
    E
    D
    M
  3. Demonstrates knowledge of child development and interests and abilities of children.
    E
    D
    M
  4. Prepares activities in advance so that they are ready and available for children upon arrival.
    E
    D
    M
 

Classroom Practices & Interaction with Children

  1. Is friendly, warm, nurturing with all children.
    E
    D
    M
  2. Uses a calm, neutral, appropriate tone of voice while interacting with children, staff and families.
    E
    D
    M
  3. Interacts and engages all children on their level.
    E
    D
    M
  4. Encourages children’s autonomy & independence.
    E
    D
    M
  5. Uses a variety of positive guidance & discipline techniques (redirection, limits, positive directions, etc.).
    E
    D
    M
  6. Participates in classroom tasks, routines, & activities (clean up, transitions, mealtime, free choice, table choices, and circle time).
    E
    D
    M
  7. Uses age-appropriate communication strategies while engaging with children (asking open ended questions, uses new words, follows children’s cues/lead).
    E
    D
    M
  8. Demonstrates an understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate expectations.
    E
    D
    M
  9. Implements developmentally appropriate activities in the classroom.
    E
    D
    M
  10. Balances individual interactions with an awareness of the whole group.
    E
    D
    M
  11. Ensures the health and safety of all children in indoor and outdoor program spaces.
    E
    D
    M
  12. Maintains ratios and engages in active supervision at all times.
    E
    D
    M
 

Family Engagement

  1. Interacts respectfully and professionally with all families.
    E
    D
    M
  2. Uses a variety of ways to communicate with families.
    E
    D
    M
  3. Regularly shares information about the child’s progress with families.
    E
    D
    M
  4. Involves families in center activities and events.
    E
    D
    M
  5. Maintains confidentiality of children and families.
    E
    D
    M
 

General Work Habits/Professionalism:

  1. Arrives on time to the program and understand the important of professionalism in child & youth programs.
    E
    D
    M
  2. Is reliable in attendance and consistent with schedule.
    E
    D
    M
  3. Demonstrates a positive attitude in the classroom.
    E
    D
    M
  4. Communicates with program staff effectively (email, face-to-face).
    E
    D
    M
  5. Remains calm in tense situations.
    E
    D
    M
  6. Maintains professionalism at all times (dress, language, no cell phone use etc.).
    E
    D
    M
  7. Collaborates with other staff in the program in a professional and respectful way.
    E
    D
    M
  8. Understands and follows the program’s vision.
    E
    D
    M
  9. Is open to new ideas and feedback from the T&CS and peers.
    E
    D
    M
 
The staff member's professional strengths are: (in the space below, indentify 2-3 observed strengths)
 
The staff member's areas for professional growth are: (in the space below, identify 2-3 goals/areas for growth)