Blog 1 Interview

           I interviewed my host teacher, whom is a preschool teacher of more than 15 years.  She is passionate about she does, and really seems to enjoy what she does.  I asked her how she feels about the importance of developmentally appropriate practices and she responded by saying, “Well, I feel that the equipment and environment must be physically appropriate and safe for each child in the class”.  I went on to ask if her about the program and their philosophies and views on providing developmentally appropriate practices for each child.  She also mentioned that she feels the curriculum and the activities provided she meet the developmental needs of each individual child. 

            The second person I interviewed was the center’s director.  I became interested in the curriculum and how it was created; so I began the interview by asking how the teacher’s create lesson plans and develop the curriculum for each class.  The director explained that the curriculum is preplanned and created for all the teachers.  The teachers are to take the lessons provided and modify them for their children to meet their developmental needs.  I asked the director how the center ensures quality care by providing developmentally appropriate practices.  She explained that it is extremely important to offer developmentally appropriate practices in all developmental domains and environments.  She explained that the teachers, and the whole program, strongly support and work hard to provide developmentally appropriate practices; its one of their main goals for each individual child. 

1). Developmentally appropriate environment; safe, health/hygiene, size, purpose, etc. 

2). Developmentally appropriate activities, lessons, materials, etc.  Are these available?

3). Developmentally appropriate strategies, classroom management, discipline, behavior management, social/emotional skills, etc.  Does it support cultural background of individual child?

           Through these interviews I have learned that offering developmentally appropriate practices is strongly supported by the director, the teachers, and the center’s program.  It is clear that everyone has different thoughts and ideas when working with young children, it is always important to consider the child’s family and their beliefs and expectations.  Often times, materials that children need are not available to the teachers.  The lesson plans should be modified to meet each child’s needs.  These are all main points I developed a deeper understanding in through the interview with the preschool teacher and the director of the center.