The CORT (Caregiving Observation and Reflection Tool) provides a systematic framework to observe and document interactions and experiences that occur within a classroom. Training & Curriculum Specialists or Program Managers should use this tool to carefully observe for evidence of and document a caregiver’s use of these key practices to assess and document caregivers’ strengths and areas for growth. Refer to the CORT Rating Guide for in depth examples of ratings for each skill or practice.
E Emerging
Staff member is building their understanding and use of the skill.
D Developing
Staff member understands the practice but is still working to consistently implement it.
M Mastered
Staff member demonstrates a clear understanding of the skill and implements the practice consistently.
Language Literature
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Quality Reading Materials
Learning environment has a variety of developmentally appropriate print and reading material with a wide range of vocabulary, themes, and pictures.
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Reading Opportunities
Provides children with multiple opportunities to participate in reading in different and meaningful ways each day.
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Book Reading Interactions
Engages with children during book reading to introduce and reinforce concepts, connect stories to children’s lives, and provoke critical thinking.
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Embeds Language Support
Embeds language and literacy support throughout children’s activities and routines.
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Extends Language
Expands on children’s sounds, words, and sentences in ways that reinforce children’s communication.
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Encourages Communication
Models diverse vocabulary and ways of communicating to promote language development.
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Promotes Social Emotional Learning
Communicates about actions, thoughts, and feelings to promote social-emotional development through language.
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Responsive to Nonverbal Cues
Uses nonverbal communication to support language and communication and observes children’s nonverbal cues to inform own responses.
Responsive Relationships
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Responsive Engagement
Engages with children in a warm and encouraging way (smiles, looks at, gets down on child’s level).
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Positive Guidance
Uses positive guidance and communication to redirect behavior and reinforce children’s effort.
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Appropriate Expectations
Demonstrates developmentally appropriate expectations for children’s peer interactions and facilitates growth in this area of their development.
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Joins Play
Observes and joins children in their interests, enhancing the nature of their interactions, play, and learning.
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Secure Relationships
Develops a special relationship with each child in care.
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Calm and Present
Has a calm and engaged demeanor when interacting with children, coworkers, and families.
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Sensitive Caregiving
Is sensitive to and adjusts expectations when children are feeling unwell, injured, going through changes, or experiencing stressful circumstances.
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Appreciates Individuals
Respect's children's ideas and perspectives.
Balanced & Differentiated Instruction
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Individualized Instruction
Understands developmental abilities of children in care and demonstrates appropriate expectations and support. Modifies activities as needed for groups of children and for individual children.
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Celebrates Diversity
Acknowledges and celebrates diversity in an inclusive way that makes children feel special and fosters a sense of belonging.
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Balanced Opportunities
Provides a balance of activities and experiences including caregiver vs child-directed, whole group/small group/individual, quiet activities vs collaborating activities, physically active vs sedentary.
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Consistent Routines
Schedule and routines are such that children and caregivers know what to do and there are consistent expectations.
Comprehensive Caregiving
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Healthy and Safe Environments
Learning environments and materials are clean and free of hazards.
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Responsive to Health Needs
Observes and responds to children’s health and hygiene needs.
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Reliable Ratios
Demonstrates a clear system of accountability for children’s whereabouts and ratio compliance.
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Positive Demeanor
Reacts to conflicts, unexpected occurrences, and stressful situations in ways that minimize negative effects on children, staff, and families.
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Professional Communication
Communicates with children, families, and coworkers in a collaborative, professional way.
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Procedural Awareness
Follows all program policies and procedures. If certain policies and procedures are not observable, demonstrates understanding through conversations and professional learning activities.
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Welcomes Expertise
Seeks advice from a coach, trainer, or administrator when unsure of how to respond or support a child, family, or coworker or encounters a situation that calls for someone in a leadership role to be involved.
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Values Professional Growth
Responsive to professional development opportunities and support provided by a coach, trainer, or administrator.
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Active Supervision
Provides active supervision by engaging in and expanding on children’s play and learning.
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Respectful of Privacy
Speaks about children, families, and staff in a confidential and respectful manner.
Family-Centered Practice
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Family Engagement
Caregiver communicates positively with families.
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Family Presence
Caregiver incorporates children's families in the learning environment.
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Programming Communicated to Families
The caregiver includes families when communicating about classroom and program topics and events.
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Protective Factors in Place
The classroom or program includes information about family supports.
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