ECYD 1520 - Practicum I

3 Credits
Prerequisites ECYD 1250, ECYD 1235, ECYD 1215, ECYD 1225, ECYD 1110

This course provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the early childhood teaching competencies explored in other classes while guided by a supervising teacher in a licensed early childhood program. The competencies addressed include: developing active and developmentally appropriate environments accessible to the multiple needs of learners, positive child guidance strategies, communication skills, and development of professional skills such as communication and respectful interactions wih families, colleagues, and other potential partners in the care and education of young children.Note: This course requires a clear Minnesota Criminal Background Study.

Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate the planning, design, and implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences with a special focus on meeting children’s physical and creative development needs.

Active and naturalistic learning experiences that require thoughtful problem solving and implementation while embedding opportunities for student input in same.

Demonstrate learning approaches that are accessible to all children, including those with diverse backgrounds, learning modalities, and exceptionalities, while demonstrating respect for all differences within the early childhood program.

Demonstrate professional practice that shows: respect for children, families and colleagues; understanding the reciprocal nature of relationships; reflective teaching practices; and a commitment to on-going professional growth.

Demonstrate use of a variety of teaching strategies that show flexibility and reciprocity in the teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction to student responses, ideas, and needs.

Create active learning environments that balance opportunities for individual, small or large group activities emerging from the interests of the children, foster the development of positive behavior, and interaction skills and involve children in the planning and implementation of these ideas.