Preschool observaton for employment?

Question

Has anyone ever participated in a pre-employment in class observation in a preschool? I'm applying for a job and during the interview, they said there will be an 'observation in-class'. Any helpful hints?

Answer 1

I also participated in one prior to being hired.  And now I have people participating in them in my classroom.  As a teacher looking for an assistant, I think it is a good idea because I want any potential person to know how my class is run and who the children are before accepting the job so that when hired, they know what they are getting in to and don't quit within a week or two because my students are too tough.  :) Just be yourself and keep an honest opinion of how you would feel in that environment.

Answer 2

Part of my job is to observe the "observers,"  in my case prospective speech pathologists.  I'm not looking for them to actually do speech therapy during the observation.  What we look for is:

1. Do they seem to enjoy children?

2. Do they get down to the child's level?

3. How do they talk to the kids?

4. How are they dressed?  (Don't wear high heels, bar-hopping clothes, low cut pants, cover tattoos, etc.)

5. Do the kids seem to like them?

6. Do they seem like they would "fit in" with our team of people?

7. Did they introduce themselves to the other adults in the room, if given the chance?

8. Did they seem interested in the job, duties, etc, did they ask questions?

Hope this gives you some idea.  Often the people I am supposed to be observing think they are there to observe me, so you may want to ask what they are looking for you to do.

Answer 3

-pay attention to every child

-keep your eyes working the room for safety hazards

-notice as much good behavior and redirect negative behavior

-guide them though a learning process, don't take it over and show for them

-ask them what the mission statement is for the preschool program - what the focus is for class today.  what is the goal of the preschool for the week.  - how much out of pocket expense will I have to spend a week.

Finally be a really good listener - I hope that this helps

Answer 4

Show up with a notebook and pen.  Get ready to write.

Write down everything.  Write down the times you saw certain things.  Write down what children you saw doing what activity.  Write down how you think they did with that activity.  Write down how the teacher interacted with the materials, environment, and students.  

If a child drops something, how is it handled?  Write down what you see.  "11:10 - Boy in red shirt dropped a spoon.  He started to pick it up on his own, but then an older child came by and got it for him.  The younger child seemed frustrated at the older child for interfering with his work."

"11:30 - Older child in the blue shirt is working on the Asia Map.  He likes to take out the countries and set them up outside the puzzle."

Matt

Answer 5

I did.  I didn't have to teach or anything.  The director of the school put me in with the teacher who had been there the longest, and she observed how I interacted with the children for about an hour or so.  Just be natural, and act the way you would in your own classroom.  

Mine was very low-key, and I got the job.  They just want to make sure you are good with children.

Answer 6

You have some great answers.

This really isn't something to be too nervous about.  It's a time for them to see if you would be a good "fit" and about your natural ability with young children.  Do you get down at their level?  Do you actually play with them?  How do your respond to the other teachers?  Are you comfortable in just stepping in or asking if you could help...when you see something needs done? etc.  The answer given by the speech pathologist is definately one you should pay attention to.  :-)