ECE 399: Child Study Practicum

Course Description

This course consists of an on-ground practicum of 200 hours of supervised field work, an ongoing field journal, three video tapings of classroom performance and a practicum paper and a phone conference. Within the field work practicum students will demonstrate: a) their ability to apply their knowledge of child development theory and approaches; b) their ability to engage in classroom management; c) their ability to plan, organize, and implement daily routine and learning activities independently; and d) their ability to work as part of a team. Only Charter Oak State College matriculated students may register for this course. The practicum enables students who work in or do extensive volunteering in an early childhood education setting to earn credits for this experience. A minimum of 200 hours will be required and must be completed in one location prior to applying for the practicum credits and completing the assessment process. Students must find and obtain approval for their own practicum setting. Students are asked to complete the Practicum Guidelines at the beginning of the course. (6 credits)

Prerequisites

ECE 176: Health, Safety and Nutrition: Birth to Eight
ECE 210: Observation and Assessment in ECE Program
ECE 217: The Exceptional Learner
ECE 222: Curriculum for Young Children - Methods and Techniques or ECE 261: Infant / Toddler Care: Methods and Techniques
ECE 231: Early Language and Literacy Development
ENG 101: English Composition 1
ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Apply knowledge of typical and atypical development in children to create positive learning environments.
Describe the diverse and complex characteristics of families and communities to establish respectful, reciprocal relationships that help to empower families.
Explain the value of observing children as a means of assessing their development.
Select and design developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities to promote positive development and learning for children.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Weight
Discussions (Weeks 1-15)	17%
Practicum Journal entries (Weeks 1-15)	17%
Video Observations (Weeks 4, 8 and 12)	22%
Video Reflections (Weeks 4, 8 and 12)	5%
Video Activity/Lesson Plans (Weeks 4, 8 and 12)	5%
Practicum Paper (Week 13)	17%
Final Conference Call (Week 13)	17%
Total	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

Copple, C. and Bredekamp, S. (2022). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8. 4th Edition. National Association for the Education of Young Children. ISBN: 978-1-938113-95-6

Course Schedule

Week	SLOs	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	1,2	Topic: The NAEYC Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice Readings: Preface & About This Book: Pages xvi – xvii Position Statement: Pages xvii – liii Part 1 – Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Context: Pages 2 – 3 Review: Practicum Guidelines Practicum Paper Requirements	Read and review assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Sign up for your “getting to know me” phone call with your instructor
2	1,4	Topic: To Be an Intentional Teacher Readings: Chapter 1: Intentional Teaching: Complex Decision Making and the Core Considerations: Pages 5 – 24	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Complete the “Supervisor’s Form”
3	1,2	Topic: Understanding Child Development and Learning in Context Readings: Chapter 2: The Principles in Practice: Understanding Child Development and Learning in Context: Pages 25 – 46	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
4	1,2	Topic: Context Matters: Reframing Teaching in Early Childhood Education/Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Child Development and Context Readings: Chapter 3: Context Matters: Reframing Teaching in Early Childhood Education: Pages 47 – 61 Appendix: Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Child Development and Context: Page 62	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Submit Week 4 Video #1 Activity/Lesson plan, Observations, and Reflection
5	1,4	Topic: Teaching Content in Early Childhood Education Readings: Chapter 4: Teaching Content in Early Childhood Education: Pages 63 – 79	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
6	1,4	Topic: The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting Readings: Chapter 5: The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting: Pages 81 – 107	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
7	1,4	Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action Readings: Part 2 Overview: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action: Pages 108 - 109	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Submit "Language and Literacy Proficiency for Early Childhood Educators Form"
8	1,4	Topic: Creating a Caring, Equitable Community of Learners Readings: Chapter 6: Creating a Caring, Equitable Community of Learners: Pages 111 – 144	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Submit Week 8 Video #2 Activity/Lesson plan, Observations, and Reflection
9	1,2	Topic: Engaging in Reciprocal Partnerships with Families and Fostering Community Connections Readings: Chapter 7: Engaging in Reciprocal Partnerships with Families and Fostering Community Connections: Pages 145 – 157	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
10	2,3	Topic: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children’s Development and Learning Readings: Chapter 8: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children’s Development and Learning: Pages 159 – 180	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
11	1,2	Topic: Teaching to Enhance Each Child’s Development and Learning Readings: Chapter 9: Teaching to Enhance Each Child’s Development and Learning: Pages 181 – 214	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
12	1,4	Topic: Planning and Implementing an Engaging Curriculum to Achieve Meaningful Goals Readings: Chapter 10: Planning and Implementing an Engaging Curriculum to Achieve Meaningful Goals: Pages 215 – 251	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Submit Week 12 Video #3 Activity/Lesson plan, Observations, and Reflection
13	1,2	Topic: Demonstrating Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator Readings: Chapter 11: Demonstrating Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator: Pages 253 – 268	Review the Lecture material Read assigned materials Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Submit the Week 13 – Practicum Paper Sign up for end of semester conference call
14	1,2	Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action Educator Snapshots and Reflections Readings: Appendix A: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action Educator Snapshots and Reflections: Pages 273 – 291	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
15	1,2	Topic: Digging Deeper Into Knowledge Readings: Appendix B: Digging Deeper Into Knowledge: Pages 292 – 296	Read assigned materials Review the Lecture material Participate in the Discussions Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal Have your supervisor submit the "Supervisor's Performance Assessment Form" Participate in the Course Evaluation process

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COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

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Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.