Instructions for Assistant Education Officers (AEOs)

to Monitor Early Childhood Education (ECE) Classrooms

The Government of Punjab has established Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms in
selected public schools. You are required to assess and record the quality of ECE in these
schools using a dedicated app on your registered tablet. To conduct this activity, you are
required to follow the instructions below.

Before you begin field visits:

1. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and questions included in the app.
You can do this by reviewing Annex A and the proforma included in Annex B.

2. DO NOT use the proforma to record your responses. Use the app for this purpose.

3. Download and install the app on your registered tablet using the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4l2sddmenzwfwap/ece-11458-1.2v.apk?dl=0
Detailed steps regarding the installation are provided in Annex C.

4. If you are unable to download and/or install the app for any reason, contact/visit the
District Management Office (DMO) to obtain technical assistance. Senior Data
Processors (SDPs) and Data Processors (DPs) at DMO offices are bound to help AEOs
in this regard.

5. Once the app is successfully installed on your phone, visit the schools in your domain
where ECE classrooms have been established.

6. Ensure that you begin your visits early in the morning to allow maximum time for
observation at each school.

During field visits:

1. Before using the app to record responses at any school, ensure that the app is updated
by clicking ‘Refresh’ in the menu provided in the top-right corner of the app.

2. Use the app to record your feedback on ECE in each school.

3. Make sure that you read and follow the list of instructions that appear when you start the
app.

4. If, while filling details of the school, its name does not appear in the list of schools
included in the app, select ‘Other’ and manually enter the details of the school.

5. Make sure that your responses are submitted successfully. In case you face difficulties
in filling and/or submitting the form for any reason, inform the District Education
Authority.
 Annex A: Instructions for AEOs included in the App
(For reference only)

You are required to assess the quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in public schools.

To do so, please follow the instructions below:

1. Introduce yourself to the Head Teacher. Request him/her to direct you to the ECE
classroom and introduce yourself to the ECE teacher.

2. Familiarize yourself with the classroom e.g. the number of children attending the class,
the learning materials present, the posters displayed on the walls of the classroom etc.

3. Fill Sections 1 and 2 in the app regarding classroom environment and staff.

4. Silently observe the classroom for at least 45 minutes to fill the next relevant sections.

During observation, do not interrupt class activities and maintain a neutral facial
expression.

If, at the time of visit, children are in recess or are outside for free play, observe the class
after recess/free play.

5. Use direct observation as well as interviews with children to fill Sections 3, 4 and 5
regarding teaching learning practices and daily routines.

6. When interviewing children, randomly select any 5 children and ask them the same
questions.

For every question:

Tick YES if 3 or more of the children reply YES to a question
Tick NO in all other cases

Speak to the children in a light and friendly tone. Encourage them to provide answers,
but do not force them.

7. Take a photograph showing 2-3 corners of the ECE classroom.

8. Thank the ECE teacher and proceed to the Head Teacher’s office to fill the final section.

9. Interview the Head Teacher to fill Section 6 regarding community engagement.

10. Thank the Head Teacher and end visit/proceed to the next school.

I confirm that I have read the instructions provided above: YES NO

 Annex B: Proforma
(For reference only)
Section 1: Classroom Environment
[Guidance: Fill upon reaching the ECE classroom]
What is the student-teacher ratio (STR) in the class?
1.1 [Head count all children present in the classroom for Student Teacher Ratio.]
1. Below 40:1 2. Exactly 40:1 3. Above 40:1
1.2 Does the classroom arrangement provide space for group activities and play? Y N
Are any of the following posters displayed on the walls of the classroom? (Tick all that apply)
1.3
1. Health/ hygiene 2. Weather chart 3. Importance of play 4. Role of caregivers 5. No poster
1.4 Are learning materials placed where children can access them freely? Y N
1.5 Does the classroom display any learning materials made by the teacher? Y N
Section 2: Trained and Qualified Staff
[Guidance: Interview the ECE teacher and caregiver (if present)]
Has the ECE teacher received ECE training from QAED? Y N
2.1
[Confirm from the ECE teacher.]
2.2 Is a caregiver present in the classroom? Y N
Is the Caregivers’ Manual available to the caregiver? Y N
2.3
[Confirm from the caregiver if present, or from the ECE teacher.]
a. Qualification of ECE teacher: b. Qualification of ECE caregiver (if present):
2.4 1. Matric 2. FA/FSc 3. BA/BSc 4. MA/MSc or 1. Middle or lower 2. Matric 3. FA/FSc or higher
higher 4. No caregiver present
Does the Head Teacher observe the ECE classroom at least once a week? Y N
2.5
[Confirm from the teacher.]
Does the Head Teacher provide feedback and mentor the teacher and caregiver? Y N
2.6
[Confirm from the teacher.]
Section 3: Teachers’ Attitudes
[Guidance: Observe the classroom or interview the children]
What is the most commonly used language of instruction in the ECE class? (Tick all that apply):
3.1
1. Urdu 2. English 3. Local language (please specify):________________
3.2 Does the teacher smile at and verbally praise the children? Y N
3.3 Does the teacher ever use corporal punishment to maintain order and discipline? Y N
3.4 Does the teacher engage children in activities/play to encourage cooperation and sharing among them? Y N
3.5 Does the teacher explain new concepts using a variety of relevant examples to aid children’s understanding? Y N
Section 4: Daily Practice
[Guidance: Observe the classroom and/or interview the children]
4.1 Do children go outside for free play? Y N
4.2 Do children participate in group activities? Y N
4.3 Do children get opportunities to speak with the teacher and each other? Y N
4.4 Do children sing rhymes with the teacher and/or listen to stories? Y N
Are children able to identify/name the different learning corners in their classroom? Y N
4.5
[Gauge children’s ability by interacting with them.]
Are children able to sort and count objects? Y N
4.6
[Gauge children’s ability by interacting with them.]
Section 5: Health and Hygiene
[Guidance: Observe the classroom or interview the children]
5.1 Do children wash their hands before and after meals? Y N
5.2 Does the teacher encourage children to keep their class clean e.g. throw litter in the bin? Y N
Photograph
Take a photograph showing 2-3 corners of the ECE classroom.
Section 6: Community and Parental Engagement
[Guidance: Interview the Head Teacher]
6.1 Has the Head Teacher received ECE training from QAED? Y N
6.2 Has any other member of the School Council received ECE training from QAED? Y N
6.3 Does the Head Teacher have a record or information of ECE children’s parents? Y N
6.4 Does the ECE teacher maintain children’s work portfolio to show to parents? Y N
6.5 Does the School Council meet regularly with parents? Y N
Additional
Remarks
 Annex C: Installation Guide for AEO ECE Monitoring App
1. Click on the given link to open the web page:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4l2sddmenzwfwap/ece-11458-1.2v.apk?dl=0

2. On the webpage, click ‘Continue to

Website’ button

3. On the next page, click the download button

4. From the menu, click “direct

download”
 5. Provide browser permission to
download the file

6. The .apk file will be downloaded

7. Once the file is downloaded, click the file

8. On the next pop up, click

the “Settings” button
9. Check the permission to install
from unknown sources

10. It will show you the popup

displayed on the right.
If this is not the case, proceed to
steps 11 and 12.
11. Click the .apk again (It can be found in “Internal Storage  Downloads)
12. Click the “Next button” on the following screen

13. Then Click the “Install Button”

14. The app should be installed.