Practicum I - Observing and Recording
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Duration: 5 weeks
Hours: 225
Domestic Tuition: $795.00
International Tuition: $1265.00
Description
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Practicum I is designed to introduce the student to the practice of Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis on developing observation skills and developing the skills necessary to build relationships with young children. Students will build on their knowledge of child development and begin to develop a clear picture of quality care for young children.
Practicum I is 5 weeks full-time (35 hours/week) and is a total of 225 hours. In the first observation week, students will observe several different high-quality programs and complete observation and reflection assignments. The first four days will include the completion of four observation and reflection assignments where students will review video resources exemplifying different areas of high-quality environments (20 observation hours total). The last day of the observation week will be spent completing a 3-hour in-centre observation and reflection in the block practicum placement they have selected and had approved. After the first observation week, the remaining 4-weeks of the block practicum will be completed at the approved practicum site (140 hours). The remaining 62 hours will be spent completing unit assignments.
Student Responsibilities:
• Complete a week of observations ending with an observation in the centre where the remainder of the block practicum will be completed;
• Attend full days in the child care setting and to inform the centre in matters of illness or emergencies;
• Participate as a team member by supporting staff in routines, supervision, program planning and general housekeeping;
• Attend staff meetings when appropriate;
• Meet with ECE Mentor to discuss observations, activity plans and performance;
• Arrange and attend two teleconference calls between the student, instructor and ECE Mentor to discuss how the practicum is progressing and to discuss any questions or concerns;
• Submit assignments in a timely manner;
• Adhere to the BC Code of Ethics; and
• Follow the practicum guidelines.
Objectives
- To develop skills in observing and recording the behaviors of young children
- To learn how to use classroom equipment and materials to aid child discovery and learning
- To observe use of effective verbal and non-verbal communication with the children in order to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom
- To observe child guidance and classroom management skills that are in accordance with accepted early childhood strategies and techniques
- To observe appropriate supervision of children indoors and outdoors
- To become familiar with learning environments that optimize children's development
- To learn about the community resources available for families with young children
- To communicate effectively with children and staff
- To demonstrate an ability to work as a team member
