If you are studying Focus on Children as a BUGE course you will complete a variation of this assignment and do not need access to a child. This step is not relevant to you.
This step of your project is likely to require you to present yourself as a professional, perhaps for the first time. It is important that you perform well.
Ideally you will know someone who has a child who could be your subject. If so, you are well placed to organise your observation session as you are already a trusted individual in that family group. If you are well known to the family of the subject you will have a new role in the observation session. You need to ensure that you can adopt the role of an observer of your subject in a natural setting. You cannot be a participant in this session. If your preferred subject is likely to involve you in their activity you may need to consider using another subject.
If you do not have friends with children in the age range you may have access to adults who can help you: parents, extended family, neighbours, workmates, acquaintances at your local church or sports club. They may be willing to make the first contact for you. You could also inquire among fellow students many of whom have young children or work in childcare centres.
If you have moved away from home and into a new neighbourhood recently you could contact the local childcare centre. Make an appointment with the Director, explain who you are and what you need and see if they are willing to assist.
As a last resort approach your tutor who will help you make contact with a childcare centre you can use.
Note that you may not use your own child as the subject of this observation.
2. Make arrangements for the observation session
As you are organising an official university activity it is important that you gain ‘informed consent’ from the parent of the child you will observe. You will find attached a copy of the official consent letter that parents must complete. Present 2 copies of this letter to the parents for completion. Leave one with the parents and attach the other as an appendix to your assignment.
Note that the letter tells the parent/guardian what, how and why you want to observe their child, how they can gain more information and how they can withdraw at any time. It also addresses confidentiality by telling them who will see the assignment, and how the child will be identified.
Allow parents time to consider your request. This may mean that you set your arrangements in place in good time to complete each phase of the project. You should not place other people under pressure because you are running out of time.
It is important that you leave both copies of the letter with the parent when you make your first request for access to their child so they know what they are agreeing to and have a chance to reflect and say ‘no’ if they need to. It is also important that you get your signed copy from them before you begin your observation.
Take care that the parents understand exactly what you need to achieve through the observation session and any special conditions that apply. You are not permitted to redo this step of the project.
3. Observe the subject in a natural setting
To make the most of the observation setting you will need to have developed a very clear understanding about sorts of behaviour you could expect from your subject given your topic area. During the observation you watch, listen and take notes. You do not interact with the subject.
At the end of the observation close the session with the parents and the subject so that they are happy about their involvement.
4. Review observation notes
Your observation notes inform the next step of the project. You may need to review them to clarify or elaborate on any points, add further comments, make useful summary statements, ensure legibility. These notes are submitted as part of your project.
Why not share your questions about the observation? Others may be concerned about the same issues. Join in the Discussion.
Next step: Observation Summary and Skills Development Plan
Previous step: Skills Development list
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