ED 231 - ECE Field Placement IV

5 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Aug 24, 2025
Date Approved: Aug 24, 2025

Practicum Hours: 200

Course Description:
This practicum in the second year is designed for students to demonstrate the knowledge gained from their Early Childhood Education courses through the examination of the operation of an approved early learning setting. This practicum involves the creation of a portfolio which demonstrates reflective practice, including program planning for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, the creation of learning stories, and analysis of administrative responsibilities and the environment. P/F.

Rationale:
This is a required course for Early Childhood Education diploma students. Work integrated learning experiences provide students with opportunities to observe, develop, implement, and reflect on their interactions with children, families, and colleagues. This experience also allows opportunities to apply knowledge gained in the Early Childhood Education program. Student practicums must be in an approved early learning setting as an opportunity to be immersed in and reflect on early childhood practice.

Prerequisites: ED 230 with GPA of 2.0 or greater.
Corequisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 8 courses in the Early Childhood Education program with an overall GPA of 2.0 or greater.

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

Demonstrate professionalism by showing respect for individuals, maintaining stamina and a strong work ethic, and communicating positively with others.
Apply appropriate programming skills and take responsibility for materials.
Build positive relationships with children, families and staff.
Plan and implement experiences for young children based on observation and interests in a variety of ways through a play-based, Reggio-inspired approach and project work in both the indoor and outdoor environment.
Reflect by reviewing and documenting the guiding philosophy, environment, schedules, routines, communication, and planning of the program in a portfolio format.
Engage in self-evaluation by reflecting and documenting time management, interpersonal effectiveness, personal philosophy, planning and implementation abilities, and guidance techniques in a portfolio format.

Required Resource Materials:
Early Childhood Education course materials.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
Students spend four weeks in an approved early learning setting that provides opportunities for learning about program planning, program daily operations, policies, and procedures.

Students submit a collection of information demonstrating their knowledge and skills regarding current practice, implementing programming, and reflective practice.

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work to the satisfaction of the instructor. Students may be required to make up missed practicum hours. In case of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate. Poor attendance may result in a failing grade in the practicum.

Students are required to inform their instructor and practicum supervisor of any missed time prior to the start of the workday.

Content of Course:
This course is divided into two sections, a work skills seminar during the semester and a four-week practicum placement at the end of the semester.

Professional and Personal Development
Create Professional Portfolio of Work
Program Planning and Implementation
Review Program Operation, Policies, and Procedures
Reflective Practice and Professional Self-Evaluation

You are to be actively involved in the early learning setting during the practicum.

Please note professionalism and confidentiality are always expected.
Course Assessments:
Students are evaluated through direct observation, mentorship, and communication with the practicum supervisor. Students submit their assignments to their assigned instructor. The grade is assigned based on feedback from the practicum supervisor and the quality of the assignments. Students are required to complete all assignments.

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A Pass/Fail grade is awarded upon completion of the practicum.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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