Program Tool
Program Tool

CORT Observation Sheet

Virtual Lab School Focused Topics Using the VLS: Coaching to Enhance Practice Lesson 5 Apply CORT Observation Sheet
Program Tool
WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG
ACTIVITY ID: 25946
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Certifier
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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

  1. Quality Reading Materials

    Learning environment has a variety of developmentally appropriate print and reading material with a wide range of vocabulary, themes, and pictures.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  2. Reading Opportunities

    Provides children with multiple opportunities to participate in reading in different and meaningful ways each day.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  3. Book Reading Interactions

    Engages with children during book reading to introduce and reinforce concepts, connect stories to children’s lives, and provoke critical thinking.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  4. Embeds Language Support

    Embeds language and literacy support throughout children’s activities and routines.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  5. Extends Language

    Expands on children’s sounds, words, and sentences in ways that reinforce children’s communication.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  6. Encourages Communication

    Models diverse vocabulary and ways of communicating to promote language development.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  7. Promotes Social Emotional Learning

    Communicates about actions, thoughts, and feelings to promote social-emotional development through language.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  8. Responsive to Nonverbal Cues

    Uses nonverbal communication to support language and communication and observes children’s nonverbal cues to inform own responses.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     

Responsive Relationships

  1. Responsive Engagement

    Engages with children in a warm and encouraging way (smiles, looks at, gets down on child’s level).

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  2. Positive Guidance

    Uses positive guidance and communication to redirect behavior and reinforce children’s effort.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  3. Appropriate Expectations

    Demonstrates developmentally appropriate expectations for children’s peer interactions and facilitates growth in this area of their development.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  4. Joins Play

    Observes and joins children in their interests, enhancing the nature of their interactions, play, and learning.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  5. Secure Relationships

    Develops a special relationship with each child in care.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  6. Calm and Present

    Has a calm and engaged demeanor when interacting with children, coworkers, and families.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  7. Sensitive Caregiving

    Is sensitive to and adjusts expectations when children are feeling unwell, injured, going through changes, or experiencing stressful circumstances.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  8. Appreciates Individuals

    Respect's children's ideas and perspectives.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     

Balanced & Differentiated Instruction

  1. 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.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  2. Celebrates Diversity

    Acknowledges and celebrates diversity in an inclusive way that makes children feel special and fosters a sense of belonging.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  3. 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.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  4. Consistent Routines

    Schedule and routines are such that children and caregivers know what to do and there are consistent expectations.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     

Comprehensive Caregiving

  1. Healthy and Safe Environments

    Learning environments and materials are clean and free of hazards.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  2. Responsive to Health Needs

    Observes and responds to children’s health and hygiene needs.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  3. Reliable Ratios

    Demonstrates a clear system of accountability for children’s whereabouts and ratio compliance.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  4. Positive Demeanor

    Reacts to conflicts, unexpected occurrences, and stressful situations in ways that minimize negative effects on children, staff, and families.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  5. Professional Communication

    Communicates with children, families, and coworkers in a collaborative, professional way.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  6. Procedural Awareness

    Follows all program policies and procedures. If certain policies and procedures are not observable, demonstrates understanding through conversations and professional learning activities.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  7. 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.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  8. Values Professional Growth

    Responsive to professional development opportunities and support provided by a coach, trainer, or administrator.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  9. Active Supervision

    Provides active supervision by engaging in and expanding on children’s play and learning.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  10. Respectful of Privacy

    Speaks about children, families, and staff in a confidential and respectful manner.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     

Family-Centered Practice

  1. Family Engagement

    Caregiver communicates positively with families.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  2. Family Presence

    Caregiver incorporates children's families in the learning environment.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  3. Programming Communicated to Families

    The caregiver includes families when communicating about classroom and program topics and events.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A
     
  4. Protective Factors in Place

    The classroom or program includes information about family supports.

    E
    D
    M
    N/A