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 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2
  • 15 credits in Early Childhood Education including Early Childhood Methods
  • 3 credits in Child Development

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

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

General Education Outcomes (GEOs)

Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments

Weight

Discussions (10 pt. per week Weeks 1-15)

17%

Practicum Journal entries (10 pt. per week Weeks 1-15)

17%

Video tapes (6 pts. Per tape, Weeks 4, 9, 14)

22%

Video Reflections (1.5 pts per reflection, Weeks 4, 9, 14)

5%

Video Activity/Lesson Plans (1.5 pts per plan, Weeks 4, 9, 14)

5%

Practicum Paper (15 pts; Week 14)

17%

Final Conference Call

17%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Copple, C. and Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 - with CD. 3rd Edition. National Association for the Education of Young Children. ISBN-10: 1-928896-64-2 or ISBN-13: 978-1-928896-64-7

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2

Topic: The NAEYC Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read pages xii-xiii
      • Read pages 1 - 31
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Sign up for your “getting to know me” call with your instructor
  • Complete Practicum Guidelines

2

1,4

Topic: To Be an Excellent Teacher

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 1, pages 33-50
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

3

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Infant-Toddler Years - Ages 0-3

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 2, pages 53-73
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

4

4

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Infants

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 3, pages 75-90
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Submit video #1 along with activity/lesson pan and video reflection

5

4

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Toddlers

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 3, pages 90-107
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

6

1,4

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Preschool Years - Ages 3-5

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 4, pages 111-129
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

7

1,4

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Preschool Years - Ages 3-5 (cont...)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 4, pages 129-147
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

8

1,4

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Preschoolers

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 5, pages 149-174
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

9

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Preschoolers (cont...)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 5, pages 174-183
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Submit video #2 along with activity/lesson pan and video reflection

10

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Kindergarten Year - Ages 5-6

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 6, pages 187-216
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

11

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Kindergarteners

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 7, pages 217-242
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

12

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for Kindergarteners (cont...)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 7, pages 243-253
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal

13

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in the Primary Grades - Ages 6-8

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 8, pages 257-288
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Sign up for end of semester conference call

14

1,2

Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider for the Primary Grades

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 9, pages 289-326
  • Read assigned material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Submit video #3 along with activity/lesson pan and video reflection

15

1,2

Topic: FAQs About Developmentally Appropriate Practice

  • Readings:
    • Textbook:
      • Read Chapter 10, pages 327-333
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete 2 entries in your practicum journal
  • Submit video #3 along with activity/lesson pan and video reflection
  • Complete Course Evaluation

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.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

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.