This is a clinical experience in which each student is assigned an early childhood and an early childhood special education clinical placement. The clinical experience is integrated with specialized course work in professional education classes which are scheduled simultaneously with this experience. Students begin the experience engaging in conferences, observations, and helping roles, and gradually work toward assuming teaching responsibility and assessment of individual child development. Students are expected to demonstrate commitment to the profession's code of ethical conduct. Weekly seminars are designed to facilitate the development of knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful professionals.
Seminars are usually discussions.
Guest speakers sometimes present on special topics. This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to begin to integrate theory and practice derived from studies related to the knowledge bases and understandings of best practices. Provide learning opportunities that support each child's intellectual, social, motor, and personal development, and that affirm and respect family, cultural, and social diversity. Create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners. Use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage children's development of divergent and critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.