All Things CLASS

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  • 1.  Environment Training Module

    Posted 04-26-2024 16:35

    Hello,

    I am currently doing the CLASS environments modules and have come across one of the scenarios from the Classroom Organization domain that I am questioning.  This revolved around handwashing.

    My agency, and I am sure many others out there, have been following the ERS handwashing steps for years - these steps also align with the CDC recommendations.  So, when I came across this scenario - I wonder if it would be confusing to educators.  This is from the Explore Classroom Organization: Early Childhood Center PK.  The scenario reads as, "When it is time to wash hands before eating, the educator points to the handwashing chart next to the low sinks and everyone reviews the visual steps of how they are going to put soap on their hands, rub them together, turn on the water, wash the soap off with the water, turn the water off, and take a paper towel to dry their hands."

    Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me?  I would truly appreciate some feedback.



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    Cindie Marquez
    San Diego, CA
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  • 2.  RE: Environment Training Module

    Posted 04-29-2024 11:24

    Hi Cindie,

    So, CLASS Environment does not seek to assess whether or not certain health and safety standards are being met. CLASS Environment is only focused on: Room Arrangement, Classroom Materials, and Classroom Displays. It's essentially looking for the presence of a routine or transition - in this case, a hand washing display (is it at eye level, does it include visuals to assist children who are pre-literate or non-native English speakers, etc.). It does not attempt to assess the extent to which the routine follows a specific health protocol. Is the issue you are coming across simply that we are not listing the steps correctly, even though it's not being measured?

    Great question and I look forward to hearing from you!



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    Rachel Eavey
    Engagement Coordinator
    Teachstone
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  • 3.  RE: Environment Training Module

    Posted 04-30-2024 16:59
    Hello Rachel,

    I appreciate your response to my inquiry.  I understand that the intention of CLASS environments is looking more at how materials are being used or how routines are being supported -- not the health and safety.  I also understand that the purpose of using the example of hand washing was not to highlight the steps for handwashing, it was used as an example of how teachers use visuals to support students.  However, that being said - I wonder if there might be another example of not only portraying how to use visuals to support routines in the classroom, but a better example of the actual routine itself. (I feel that this particular scenario could send mixed messages about the handwashing steps, and for those of use who have routinely used the ERS tools for so many years - this has been ingrained in our brains, particularly since COVID. )

    Additionally, I fully embrace the CLASS environment tool - focusing on how you use what you have versus having a certain amount of something to define quality.




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