Assessors should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes after the program’s opening time. If more than one assessor will be part of the assessment, they should plan to meet outside the program and enter as a team.
With a few exceptions, the assessor should not accept refreshments, food, resources, or gifts from the ELP at any time. Exceptions are borrowing a pen or paper for writing observations or accepting water or light refreshments if failing to do so would offend the cultural norms of the ELP.
Assessors should be prepared to carry meals, snacks, drinks, office supplies, and a mobile phone to the site, or should inform themselves of available nearby resources before the start of the visit.
Assessors should be cordial and pleasant when interacting with staff and children. Remember that staff members may be nervous about the visit and that they will do their best if the assessor can put them at ease.
While talking in the classrooms during observations must be minimal, the assessor may engage in common small talk with staff or children if approached. The assessor should not initiate interaction with the children but should respond briefly when not doing so would set an awkward tone. (Note: Assessor can refer the child back to their teacher)
The assessor should move out of the way of program administrators, teachers, children, or families.
The assessor should dress appropriately, wearing functional “business casual” clothing for visits. The assessor can expect to go outside, sit on small chairs or on the floor, and spend long hours at programs and should consider dressing in layers, as the program’s facility may be too hot or cold. Some programs may require the assessor to remove his or her shoes (such as for access to infant classrooms) or to wear booties and/or gloves. Assessors must comply with the program’s health and safety rules. Also, the assessor should try not to wear anything (for example, jewelry or bright clothes) that calls extra attention to himself or herself. The assessor’s presence should be as unobtrusive as possible.
Assessors should leave personal belongings in a locked car or, if this is not possible, consult with the program administrator to find a safe location to store such items during the visit. This is an important safety precaution, as purses and bags can contain items dangerous to children.
If the assessor brings food into the program, he or she should be aware of food restrictions that might be in effect. For example, if the program prohibits peanut products throughout the facility due to a severe allergy, the assessor must not bring such products into the center.
Lunch breaks are recommended, but it is up to the assessor to decide whether to work through lunch, eat on premises, or take a longer break off premises. Assessors leaving the premises for a lunch break should notify the program staff that they are leaving and when they expect to return. The assessor must secure all confidential or proprietary information while off the premises.
Assessors should silence their mobile phones so that ongoing program activities and the program environment are not disrupted. Assessors should not make or receive phone calls or text messages during classroom observations.