Course Syllabus
Course: HFST 2880
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Education and Family Studies
Title: Practicum In Preschool Training I
Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029
Catalog Description: This course consists of on-the-job learning opportunities for prospective preschool teaching and childcare teaching. A student taking this course will be a Head Preschool Teacher in our Child Development Lab. The course includes experiences in curriculum writing, environment planning and organization, direction of activities, guidance of young children, and parent-teacher relationships that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. HFST 2880 is a required capstone class for students completing the Childcare Management Applied Associate Degree. HFST 2880 is highly recommended for students interested in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Seminar in Preschool Teaching (HFST 2990) must be taken concurrently with this course. (Additional fee required).
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 0; Lab: 9
Prerequisites: HFST 1500, HFST 2610, HFST 2620; permission of instructor
Corequisites: HFST 2990
Justification: Extended practical application of management principles, curriculum development and implementation, and program evaluation are required for degree completion for students in the Child Care Management program. Students in the Childcare Management program will be required to complete both HFST 2880 and HFST 2885. Courses similar in content and purpose are taught at colleges and universities throughout the state.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will apply knowledge of child development and child guidance by providing positive social, physical, and emotional care for children ages six weeks to six years. Students will be assessed through instructor observation and journaling.
Students will write, implement, evaluate, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social growth in children ages two through six. Students will be assessed through written assignment, visual observation, peer evaluation, self-evaluation, and instructor evaluation.
Students will create positive learning environments, arrange interest centers, and prepare creative materials and supplies for lesson plans. Through one-on-one discussion, evaluation by instructor, and written project/assignment, students will demonstrate their ability to design and implement creative environments and lesson plans.
Students will apply their understanding of the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities to create respectful informative letters to parents/guardians to involve families in their children’s development and learning. Students will be assessed through written journals and project parent-letter assignments.
Students will explore career options in the early childhood education and childcare industry. Students will then cultivate a targeted resume that will magnify their knowledge, skills, and experiences educating and guiding young children. Student resume and career exploration will be assessed by head and assistant teachers through discussion and resume assignment.
Content:
This class is designed to develop student teachers in the areas of preschool and childcare. Content will relate and connect to hands-on experience with children from diverse backgrounds. An example of how an increased awareness of diverse needs will be accomplished should happen through direct instruction from faculty member to student teachers. It can be the case that student teachers need tutelage to provide a welcoming and accepting environment for all preschool children and their diverse needs. Regularly, preschool students can have conditions that inhibit traditional learning styles. Faculty and students should become aware of these conditions and learning styles to give all children the best care that we possibly can.This course will introduce the following concepts:Orientation to Student Teaching Curriculum Development and Environment PlanningGuidance of Young ChildrenBuilding Family RelationsTeaching Assignments and Observation Instruction of Head Teaching Responsibilities Toddler Time Training Infant Care Training Self and Peer Evaluations Introduction to assessmentResume Development
Key Performance Indicators:
Evaluations (peer, self, instructor, teachers) 35 to 55%
Lesson Plans 25 to 35%
Observations 5 to 15%
Journals 5 to 15%
Written assignments (resumes, project parent letters childcare documentation, etc.) 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Required readings and handouts will be provided in class and on Canvas by the instructor.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is taught with hands-on experiences in a real-world setting. Student teachers and faculty will work side by side both through planning and actual instruction of children to enhance the experience of preschool children. This course also includes career development and the benefit of supervision and coaching from professionals in the field. Teaching modes will demonstrate inclusivity while also recognizing varied abilities, interest, and needs. This will be accomplished by adjusting instruction style to meet students' needs and unique abilities.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 4
Optimum Class Size: 4
