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Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to take learning outside! With warmer weather, many PreK programs are moving activities outdoors. It’s important to know how these outdoor moments can be part of CLASS® observations—and how to plan for them effectively.
What Counts as Observable Outdoor Time?
Outdoor activities can be included in a CLASS® observation if they are structured and intentionally planned. This means activities like:
- Large group time
- Small group instruction
- Snack/Meal time
- Outdoor Games
If teachers are actively engaging with children in meaningful ways during these outdoor activities, they can absolutely be observed.
What Doesn’t Count?
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Unstructured recess—where children play freely (like on a playground, for example)—is not included in Pre-K CLASS® observations. While this time is still important for children’s development, it doesn’t meet the CLASS® criteria as an observable time.
- Outdoor-Based Programs
If your program spends most of the day outside or follows an outdoor-based curriculum, you can still be observed—as long as the time includes structured, teacher-child interactions (not recess).
Update Your Schedule
To help ensure a smooth observation:
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Share your updated daily schedule with your assigned Assessor and/or the On-Site Observation Scheduler.
- Make sure any changes for the summer months are clearly communicated.
This helps Assessors know when and where to look for meaningful interactions outdoors. By intentionally planning outdoor learning activities and keeping assessors informed, your program can confidently show how high-quality interactions happen—inside or out!
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