Prepares students to teach in various types of preschool programs and apply knowledge gained from the Inquiry Based Preschool Curriculum course. This 45 clock hour practicum is to be taken concurrently with the corresponding section of CHD-231.
Under guided supervision, students will demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies. Students will use their knowledge of inquiry based curriculum to plan developmentally appropriate lessons. Child centered, play oriented approaches to teaching, learning, assessment, and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as students design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for preschool children. Integrated curriculum across domains is aligned with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-K.
The following MDE Standards of Quality will be covered in this course: Language Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Social-Emotional Development, Approaches to Learning, and Physical Health and Development. Students seeking the Preschool CDA Certification may use the completed 45 practicum hours to help fulfill the required 480 hours working with preschool children (ages 3-5). Students must complete specific requirements before beginning a practicum experience. (see General Course Requirements).
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Students will learn how to teach in various types of pre-school programs.
- Integration of domains.
- Positive interactions with Children and Adults.
- Aligning lessons with MDE Standards and NAEYC Guidelines.
- Consideration of adaptations for children with diverse abilities.
- Curriculum development and selection of appropriate learning material.
- Large and small group management in a preschool classroom.
- Implementing developmentally appropriate activities in the preschool classroom.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Assume teaching and non-teaching responsibilities and demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices in a preschool classroom.
- Plan, present, and evaluate a variety of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate, play-based curriculum activities across multiple learning areas.
- Interact positively with all children and facilitate children's learning.
- Use and articulate current research to demonstrate understanding of development and learning theories as applied to the selection of effective learning materials and the planning of learning experiences for all children.
- Analyze and explain the significance of both the NAEYC Guidelines and the MDE Quality Standards as they pertain to teaching and learning.
- Design, implement, and evaluate curriculum activities and materials, which are responsive to observation and assessment information from young children.
- Plan appropriate learning activities with children across multiple content (learning) areas.
- Implement a variety of effective learning experiences, strategies, and techniques to support children's learning.
- Apply the MDE Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-K and the NAEYC Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice to teaching and learning.
Assessment and Requirements
- Weekly practicum experience sheets and discussion
- Self Evaluation (Midterm and Final)
- Cooperating Teacher Evaluation (Midterm and Final)
- Facilitate and evaluate a circle time and small group lesson
- Complete a Self-Analysis (reflection) paper on working with Preschool children
- Videotape lesson and write a reflection
*The following documents must be provided before starting this practicum: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Clearance; Tuberculosis (TB) test record (must be in the last 12 months); Identification (valid driver’s license or State ID); and a HFC student ID card. Students are now required to complete fingerprinting before starting their field experience. Some practicum locations may request immunization(s), a physical exam and an ICHAT (Criminal Background Check). Students will be required to pass a criminal background check. Details are provided through the Practicum Coordinator. The student will be informed of any additional documents needed by the child care program.
Students enrolled in CHD-234 are required to complete all scheduled practicum hours throughout the semester. Documentation of field experience hours and either the program director or coordinating teachers' signature are required.
Note: Grades for the CHD-231 (lecture) and CHD-234 (practicum) are separate. It is possible to receive a passing grade for CHD-231 and not for CHD-234. To successfully pass the CHD-234 field experience, students must receive a C or higher.
The following NAEYC Associate Degree Standards are met by this course at the understanding or application level;
1. Promoting Child Development and Learning:
- 1c: Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments for young children.
2. Building Family and Community Relationships:
- 2c: Involving families and communities in young children's development and learning.
4. Using Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families:
- 4c: Using broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching/learning approaches.
- 4d: Reflecting on own practice to promote positive outcomes for each child.
5. Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum:
- 5b: Knowing and using the central concepts, inquiry tools, and structures of content areas or academic disciplines.
- 5c: Using own knowledge, appropriate early learning standards, and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally meaningful and challenging curriculum for each child.
7. Early Childhood Experiences
- 7a: Opportunities to observe and practice in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth - age 3, 3-5, 5-8).
- 7b: Opportunities to observe and practice in at least two of the three main types of early education settings (early school grades, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs).
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