Identify steps to ensure bias-free observations.

Identification should include

• describing only observable action
• refraining from any judgment regarding
  • causes
  • emotions or feelings
  • explanations
  • goals
  • motives or desires
  • purposes
  • needs
  • wishes
• avoiding any form of labeling.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What can be done to identify bias within an observation?
• What does an educator bring in their background and life experience that may contribute to a biased observation?

Communication

• What are some ways to communicate that are free from bias?
• How would an early childhood education professional refrain from communicating biased reports or observations to families or coworkers?

Leadership

• How can early childhood education professionals be taught to conduct bias-free observations?
• How can early childhood education professionals train and model bias-free observations for newly hired educators?

Management

• What types of reports are available to early childhood professionals for observations?
• Where can bias-free observation records be found?