ECTC 2603 - Child Development Practicum

Description
Students must work or volunteer in a licensed childcare facility or school serving children birth through age eight to apply the knowledge acquired and skills learned in previous coursework. Placement must be in a quality program (a program meeting Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC accreditation Standards, Arkansas Better Chance Standards, or Level three Better Beginnings Standards). The instructor will observe and evaluate students following NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Students must demonstrate competency in all areas observed and complete a minimum of an average of seven and a half (7.5) clock hours weekly, totaling a minimum of 113 hours for the semester. An Arkansas Child Maltreatment Background Check is required (for a fee). A report of maltreatment will result in a student not being allowed to complete the course.

Pre-Requisite
Student has received department permission for this course. Contact the department for information.

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture hours

3 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Spring

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will be able to:

Reflect, apply and demonstrate the connection between prior knowledge and new knowledge regarding how children grow and learn in a childcare setting designed for children birth through Pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 4c, 4d, SS4)
Demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children birth through Pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs (NAEYC 1c, 4b, SS 1, 3, 4)
Demonstrate proficiency in working with diverse populations of students, families and community groups (NAEYC 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a)
Demonstrate knowledge of and use a variety of observational and authentic assessment options and their appropriate use with children birth through Pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs (NAEYC 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d)
Integrate reflective and critical perspectives on early education practices. (NAEYC 6d)
Engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession. (NAEYC 5e)
Recognize and describe the difference between early childhood programs that meet quality standards and those that meet minimal standards.
Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate content from all other CHED or ECTC courses they have taken or are taking and compare this information with their practicum experience (and their work experience if they have work experience in the field of early childhood).

General Education Outcomes Supported
N/A

Standard Practices
N/A