Some aspects of the indoor and outdoor review of the environment can occur during the classroom observation, as the assessor Assessor observes the teacher in the classroom or outdoor areas. If needed, the indoor and outdoor environment review can occur before or after the classroom observation, during the 30-minute supplemental observation period.
For each assessed classroom, the assessor Assessor will need to evaluate the indoor environment. Measures are focused on room arrangement, quality, and variety of materials, and whether equipment and materials facilitate social interaction.
The assessor Assessor will also review the outdoor environment for all age groups that the program serves. The assessor Assessor will consider whether the outdoor environment provides an opportunity for children to interact with and care for nature, a variety of outdoor equipment for the children to use, and areas to build social development. When assessing playgrounds, assessors Assessors should observe each classroom using its applicable outdoor play space. Should there be inclement weather that prevents the classroom from participating in outdoor activities, such as rain, lightning, or extreme heat or cold, the assessor Assessor will interview the classroom teacher as described in the TSM to determine scoring. The assessor Assessor is not required to return to the facility solely for outdoor environment observation.