CHS 237 - Early Childhood Practicum 1

3 Credits

This initial practicum for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education combines 25 hours of supervised fieldwork in an approved early childhood setting (birth to age 8) with integrative coursework. Building on 12 or more Child Studies credits earned in their major, students begin translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, aligning with developmentally appropriate practices and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. Topics include the practical application of NAEYC's Professional Standards and Competencies, ethical considerations in real-world contexts, implementation of teaching strategies, and introduction to field-based assessment methods. Students will observe, assist, and reflect on implementing industry-recognized methodologies, taking their first steps in bridging classroom learning with hands-on experience.

Note: Students are responsible for securing their practicum site, subject to University approval. Site-specific requirements, including background checks, fingerprinting, and vaccinations, must be fulfilled. To ensure timely registration, students should initiate the site placement process at least one month before the intended start date. Registration will be finalized only after all requirements are met and practicum arrangements are verified by designated University personnel.
Prerequisites: 12 Child Studies credits and a 2.00 minimum GPA.