Early Childhood Practicum        

In this class we work as a team to plan and operate an on-site preschool.  Our first day with the preschoolers is early February.  The first four to five weeks of the class is spent:

-  Increasing your knowledge of the preschool age child

- Organizing plans and activities for the semester

- Contacting parents and identifying children attending the preschool

- Arranging and organizing the room

Units of Study:

Understanding Preschoolers Ages 3, 4 and 5

What are the physical, social, intellectual and moral expectations for preschoolers?

How do you help preschoolers learn to print?

How do you manage a group of preschoolers in centers?

Providing an appropriate Environment

What are the principles in planning early childhood environments?

What is the importance of play center?

How do you choose equipment and toys wisely?

Handling Schedules and Routines

How common routines are incorporated in the daily schedule

The why and how of transitions

Guiding Children

What are the goals of classroom guidance?

What are effective techniques for communicating with young children?

Punishment vs. discipline

Teaching and Learning

How do you create a lesson plan?

What are effective teaching techniques?

Language Activities

How do you read stories effectively to preschoolers?

How do you plan and lead language arts activities?

Science and Math Activities

What is the goal of science and math activities for preschoolers?

How do you plan and lead science and math activities?

Food for Children

How do you plan and prepare healthy snacks for preschoolers?

What food safety and sanitation practices are important for preschoolers?

Course expectations:

-Be in attendance and be on time to class.   Once preschool starts, you will be required to call in and report if you are going to miss class.

-Be a responsible team player.  Be willing to work with anyone and everyone in the class.

- No food, drink (except water) unless it is offered to all members of the class.  No gum on T, W, TH when preschoolers are present.

- Be a positive role model – dress, talk, and attitude.

Your daily grade is based on work ethics.  Since this is a participation class, you will be given 40 points at the beginning of each week.  To maintain those points you must make a positive contribution to the work place each day.

Our work ethics include:  Punctuality, teamwork, productivity, and attitude.  Two points will be given each day for practicing these four traits in the class—for a total of 8 points daily.  Eight points will be deducted for each day absent—4 excused absences may be made up by doing a library assignment described in the attached handout.  You will have 1 week to make up for an absence.

Punctuality:  arrive and leave on time; notify instructor of planned absences; make up assignments punctually.  Give notice when you are going to be absent.

Teamwork:  be a team player—help out where needed—even if it is not your job, be cooperative with classmates, especially the lead teacher, display a positive attitude with children and parents.

Productivity:  Follow rules and guidelines of preschool, conserve materials, keep the preschool neat and clean; follow directions/procedures.  Come to class prepared; listen or participate when appropriate.

Attitude:  Display a positive attitude around the children—proper dress, talk, and general outlook; interact with children and make them your FIRST priority the entire time they are with us each day. 

Major projects required in this class:

Bulletin Board

Teaching a lesson

Planning all activities for a week of preschool

Leading circle (beginning and ending) for 1 week

Putting together a portfolio (final exam)