Early Childhood Education 420
I. Course Title: Practicum in Child Development Settings
II. Course Number: EDEC 420
III. Credit Hours: 6 credits
IV. Prerequisites: Early Childhood Special Education major, EDEC 410, and 2.5 GPA or higher.
V. Course Description:
A clinical practicum providing experience and opportunity for application of skills working with young children in various settings (e.g. after school programs, children’s museum, etc.) under direct supervision of qualified child development-focused professionals for a minimum of 20 hours a week throughout the semester. Students begin shadowing professionals in their positions, and work toward assuming more responsibilities of the work settings. Weekly seminars focus on whole children development, work ethics, and professionalism.
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This is a clinical experience for students working in a setting with young children. Students begin the experience in the placement by engaging in shadowing the roles, and gradually work toward assuming full work responsibilities. Students develop knowledge and skills in the relevant work settings implementing developmentally appropriate practices of early childhood education. Weekly seminars are designed to facilitate the development of knowledgeable, skillful, thoughtful, and committed professionals.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
Students will work closely with their cooperating professionals each day. Students will gain experience and skills needed to be an effective worker in the setting for young children. CEHD Field Experience Handbook provides more detailed information regarding practicum experiences. Students will also attend weekly seminar.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.
Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and dispositions to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics and developmental needs of children.
- Provide appropriate support for an individual child’s development.
- Plan and organize proper services that promote child development.
- Provide developmentally appropriate learning activities that facilitate whole child development.
- Demonstrate reciprocal relationship-building with children, families, other professionals, and community.
- Articulate the legal and ethical obligations placed upon professionals in the service delivery system.
- Demonstrate positive and nurturing relationship-building with each child based on respect, trust, and acceptance of individual differences.
- Apply and enhance the knowledge and skills acquired from previous early childhood education courses.
- Demonstrate proficient oral and written communication skills.
- Enhance professional characteristics and dispositions.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
- Attendance in placement and weekly seminar
- Log of field placement activities
- Assigned field experience activities as described in CEHD Field Experience Handbook
- Written reflections on daily practice
- Student self-analyses
- Final evaluation by cooperating professionals in field sites and university supervisor
- Professional Characteristics and Dispositions Evaluation
Other Course Information: This course is for non-licensure track IDEC major students.
Review and Approval
March 01, 2021