Practicum - Field Experience

In this course, students demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice is emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. This course includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities. Students work in a supervised field experience and are required to perform at least 54 hours of practicum work under the direct supervision of a Master Teacher (or someone who would qualify as a Master Teacher) in an instructor-approved infant/toddler or preschool program. School-age program placement is restricted to before- and after-school programs or kindergarten. Participation in a placement setting requires proof of tuberculosis (TB) and immunization clearance. Prerequisites: CHDV C100, CHDV C102, CHDV C104, CHDV C106, CHDV C121, CHDV C125, CHDV C200