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Observational research is defined as research which does not involve direct interaction or contact with the children outside of the child's typical, daily routines and activities. The researcher may be in an observation booth, seated directly in the classroom, or on the playground. The researcher DOES NOT remove the child from the classroom.
Observational research may include the use of video tape recorders, audio tape recorders, event recorders or hand-written notes. Children are not identified by name and all observational material is erased or destroyed at the completion of the project.
All protocols for this type of research must be approved by the Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School prior to the beginning of the observational period. Observations which are anonymous and are part of class assignments but will not be published or presented at a conference do not need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Observations which will potentially result in publication or professional use must have IRB approval and separate parent consent.
Parents of the children enrolled in this school are asked to sign consent forms permitting observational research for educational purposes. Consent is given for the school year.
Any research involving direct contact with the child requires the approval of Wimpfheimer's director and separate IRB approval. It is requested that researchers discuss their ideas with the Director prior to seeking IRB approval. (See Checklist for Faculty Supervising or Conducting Research at Wimpfheimer Nursery School.) As part of the IRB process, children may not participate without the written consent of the parent.
Wimpfheimer Program Profile
| Program | Typical Age Range (In September) - years.months | Location in Wimpfheimer | Number of Children | Hours of Program |
| Twos/Threes | 2.3 to 2.9 | Ground Floor | 8 | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Younger Threes (going on four in the spring ) | 2.9 to 3.9 | "Corner Room", Second floor | 12 | 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Older Threes, Younger Fours | 3.9 to 4.9 | "Center Room", Second floor | 20 | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Fours & Fives; Kindergarten | 4.9 to 5.9 | Third Floor | 20 | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Extended Day | 2.9 to 5.9 | "Center Room", Second floor | 18 | 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Wimpfheimer Research Facilities Profile
| Program | Location in Wimpfheimer | Observation Booth | Classroom |
| Twos/Threes | Ground Floor | Seats 2 people, no sound equipment | 1 person |
| Younger Threes (going on four in the spring) | "Corner Room" Second floor | Seats 1 person, audio sound equipment | 1 person |
| Older Threes, Younger Fours | "Center Room" Second floor | Seats 4 people Audio sound equipment, cassette taping available | 2 persons |
| Fours & Fives; Kindergarten | Third Floor | No observation booth | 2 persons |