HS 270 - ECE Online Field Placement III

5 Credits

Outline Effective Date 2024-2025
2024 Fall Version 11

Practicum Hours: 4 weeks in an approved childcare facility
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 programming with mentorship from a director. For this practicum, the focus in 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:
1. 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

2. Plan a quality program

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

3. Interact with

children
families
staff
practicum supervisor
assigned college instructor
other personnel

4. Describe, analyze, and reflect upon the program in terms of

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

5. 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:

Program planning for children

a. observation
b. research
c. program planning for four weeks
d. learning stories
e. reflection

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
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.

Final Mark

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

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