Competency 5 – Details

Competency Standard V: To ensure a well-run, purposeful program that is responsive to participant needs

Functional Area 12: Program Management

Candidate uses observation, documentation and planning to support children’s development and learning and to ensure effective operation of the classroom or group. Candidate is a competent organizer, record keeper, communicator and cooperative co-worker.

Item 12.1 — Candidate observes, documents and assesses each child’s developmental/educational progress

Indicator:

  1. Objectively observes and records information about children’s behaviors and learning
    • Examples
      • Regularly observes each child’s developmental/educational progress
      • When observing/documenting, only records behavioral facts (objective statements)rather than assumptions or subjective biases that could lead to misinterpretations (such as ”Vincent smiled” rather than ”Vincent was happy” or ”Liana threw a block which knocked over Brandy’s block castle” rather than “Liana wanted to knock over Brandy’s block castle”
      • Collects observational examples to support concerns regarding potential learning or behavioral needs or abilities
  2. Analyzes and assesses multiple sources of evidence in order to set appropriate developmental goals for each child/group, planning curriculum accordingly
    • Examples
      • Uses multiple sources of evidence when assessing the strengths, interests, abilities, and needs of each child (such as written observations, information from parents, data from formal and informal observation tools, individual portfolios, work samples, etc.)
      • Considers the cultural expectations of each child when interpreting observations and setting goals
      • Reflects on previous experiences in order to make intentional choices when planning curricula
      • Accesses resources such as state early learning guidelines, when available, as a guide for planning
      • Candidates seeking Bilingual Specialization must also show evidence of the following:
        • Makes use of available evaluation instruments in the second language

Item 12.2 — Candidate adheres to regulatory requirements and program policies

  1. Adheres to current local child care regulations and program policies
    • Examples
      • Abides by all local licensing, approval or registration regulations
      • Is familiar with health information, recommendations, and requirements for family child care homes and reviews the home environment regularly to ensure it is healthy
      • Knows recommended ratios of adults to children at different ages, complies with local regulations on the number of children allowed in a family child care home, and cares only for number of children for whom s/he can provide quality care
      • Can articulate the philosophy, goals and objectives of the program to others
      • Keeps up-to-date business records for the family child care program, such as tax records, insurance, Child Care Food Program records, and payment records
  2. Adheres to professional Mandated Reporting requirements related to abuse and neglect
    • Examples
      • Recognizes symptoms of possible abuse and neglect
      • Is alert to play or behavior that indicates physical or sexual abuse
      • Seeks out resources for information and support if physical, emotional or sexual abuse is suspected, following state law in response
      • Responds sensitively to child’s and family’s needs, collaborating in carrying out treatment plans
  3. Maintains current records on children’s health, safety and behavior
    • Examples
      • Keeps up-to-date records (such as attendance, accident/incident reports, child health and emergency forms, etc.) as required by regulations or policies, sharing the information with parents, specialists and other center personnel, only when appropriate
      • Retains parents’ written authorizations of all persons allowed to pick up children from the program

Item 12.3 — Candidate maintains effective professional relationships

  1. Establishes cooperative interpersonal relationships with coworkers, colleagues, volunteers and supervisors
    • Supports other staff by offering assistance and support when needed
    • Works as a member of a team with others in the classroom and the program, including substitutes, parents and volunteers
    • Coordinates program plans with parents, specialists and program personnel, when appropriate
    • Maintains professional relationship with supervisors
    • Accepts supervision in the performance of duties
    • Participates in peer evaluation and is able to accept comments and criticism from colleagues, supervisors and parents in a constructive way
    • Resolves problems affecting the program with provider’s family members and follows up on their resolution
    • Cooperates with program personnel when involved in a satellite or network family child care program