University of California
Institute of Human Development
Harold E. Jones Child Study Center
INFORMATION SHEET FOR OBSERVERS
Welcome to the Child Study Center. We want your visit to be as interesting and informative as possible when you observe the children in their preschool environment. To achieve this goal we make the following requests:
- All observers must sign in with the secretary. Access to the galleries is strictly controlled, and we need to know how many visitors we have at any given time. Observers who are part of a large group, may create their own sign in sheet with the names of all group members. Please leave these sheets with the secretary.
- Please maintain strict silence in the observation galleries. The galleries run the entire length of the school, indoors and out, with one-way screening. You cannot be seen easily, but you can be heard.
- If you have any questions about anything you have observed and would like to talk with a teacher, please let the secretary know so that a meeting can be arranged.
- Please remember that what you observe occurring in the classroom is confidential information. It is important that you do not discuss the children and their behavior outside of your class.
We have hundreds of visitors to the Child Study Center each year from all around the world, so that every day is "visitors' day" for us. If it is essential for your purposes that you come into the classroom for observations, you must make arrangements with the research coordinator or the secretary in advance (510-642-7031). We cannot accommodate more than two observers in a classroom at any time, and ongoing research projects are given preference.
If you observe within a classroom, try to make your presence as unobtrusive as possible.
- Walk around the periphery of the yard or school room instead of through the centers of these areas.
- Sit down on a small chair placed inconspicuously. Do not remain standing or sit on the playhouse stairs or other play equipment.
- Do not take part in play activities or engage the children in conversation, unless directed to by a teacher. Answer questions from children briefly, but pleasantly. When asked what you are doing, a reply such as, "writing" is usually sufficient.
Direct all questions about the children to the head teachers, preferably at the end of the session you are observing. Teachers and student assistants in the classroom must attend to the children and should not be engaged in conversation.
Revised 8/96