HS 270 - ECE Online Field Placement III

5 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Sep 3, 2025; Date Approved: Sep 3, 2025

Practicum Hours: 200

Course Description:
This practicum in the second year emphasizes reflective practice related to the operation of an approved childcare setting. Students complete a portfolio and implement programing with mentorship from a director. For this practicum, the focus is on analyzing current practice within a work integrated setting in relation to courses. 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 for opportunities to apply knowledge gained in the Early Childhood Education program. Students are placed in an approved childcare setting as an opportunity to develop, implement, and reflect on early childhood practice.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: Students must have completed or be in the process of successfully completing 4 diploma courses including ED 243 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

respect for individuality
appropriate work ethics
self-motivation
stamina
positive interpersonal communication skills
appropriate programming skills
professional attitude
responsibility for materials
appropriate guidance techniques

plan a quality program

observe children
prepare materials and environments
develop integrated curriculum experiences
create learning stories
demonstrate reflective practice

interact with

children
families
staff
practicum supervisor
assigned college instructor
other personnel

describe, analyze, and reflect upon the program in terms of

philosophy /mission
routines
menu plans
planning format
staffing plan
environment and organization of room

evaluate self in terms of

time management skills
individual and group interpersonal skills
personal philosophy and professional development
planning and implementation skills
guidance techniques

Required Resource Materials:
Early Childhood Education course materials.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
Students spend four weeks in an approved childcare facility that provides opportunity for learning about program planning, program daily operations and policy 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 and assignments to the satisfaction of the Practicum Supervisor and Assigned Instructor. Students may be required to make up missed practicum hours. In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate. Poor attendance may result in the suspension of a student from the practicum.

Students are required to inform their Assigned Instructor and Practicum Supervisor of any missed time prior to the start of their workday.

Content of Course:
1.Program planning for children

a.observation

b.research

c.program planning for four weeks

d.learning stories

e.reflection

2.Program operation, policies, and procedures

a.philosophy mission/vision

b.staff scheduling

c.environment arrangement

d.communication with families

e.menu planning

f.schedule and routines for program

3.Reflective practice

a.professional communication

b.professional development

c.application of knowledge

d.program planning

You are to be actively involved in the Early Learning and Child Care setting in which you are placed.

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 will be assigned based on the feedback from the practicum supervisor and the quality of the assignments. Students are required to complete all assignments.

Mid-Term Evaluation

This evaluation is designed to give students and placements an opportunity to discuss performance and suggestions for improvement. If a student is having serious difficulties by this time, he/she may be requested to withdraw from the practicum.

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.

Copyright©LAKELAND COLLEGE.
2602 - 59 Avenue, Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada T9V 3N7. Ph: 780 871 5700
5707 College Drive, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5. Ph: 780 853 8400
Toll-free in Canada: 1 800 661 6490 E-mail: admissions@lakelandcollege.ca

Here at Lakeland College, we acknowledge that the land we gather on is the traditional homeland, hunting, and ceremonial gathering places of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux people have practiced their culture and languages on Treaty 6 and Métis Region 2 territories for generations and were the original caretakers of this land. Many First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples call this land home today and have done so for millennia. We would like to acknowledge the history we have created together on this land, and to be thankful for the opportunity to walk together side-by-side in friendship, learning from our past, and promoting positive relationships for the past, present and future.