Personal Interviews
With children who are old enough to converse and especially when a home visit is not practical, a one-on-one interview with each new child can be helpful to obtain the kind of information described above. Think of it as finding “quality time” for each child in your care, not just when you first meet the child but on a regular basis thereafter. Many times children reveal information only once they have developed a trusting and open relationship with their caregiver or teacher. The earlier a trusting relationship can be established, the earlier the teacher or caregiver can get the information needed to effectively plan curriculum activities and goals. “Face time” with individual children is essential so that you learn, for example, what motivates or inspires them to good behavior, why they may be struggling socially, or how they are responding to the curriculum.