Observation of teacher-child interactions: Scale interaction carer [Observação das interacções educador-criança: Escala de interacção do prestador de cuidados]

Abstract

The Caregiver Interaction Scale (CIS) is an observational measure designed to assess the quality and content of the teacher's interactions with children in terms of sensitivity, harshness, and permissiveness. This scale has been extensively used in research and it has shown to capture important aspects of the interactions. This study intends to provide an overview of the CIS, as well as to present its psychometric properties, using a Portuguese sample of 115 first grade classrooms. The results show good validity and reliability. In addition, the results suggest that teachers tend to develop positive, highly engaged interactions with children.