Learning Outcomes

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum activities in the early childhood classroom
• Locate and utilize professional resources
• Understand and articulate the role of an early childhood educator
• Demonstrate skills in appropriate guidance and disciplinary techniques with young children
• Understand and implement skills in working with parents as partners in their children’s learning process
• Create appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments for young children
• Demonstrate appropriate skills in interactions with young children
• Interact with other teachers in a professional manner, and demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their teaching

Topics Include

• Understanding and guiding behavior
• Observing and assessing children
• Curriculum development

Additional Information

• To obtain credit for this course, you need to be supervised by a mentor teacher at a school where you are teaching. The class meets only twice, once at the start and again at the end of the practicum. You are expected to complete your hours at a school and submit your assigned work on the last day of class and online. The Extension instructor is available for online guidance and support for both students and mentors.
• PLEASE NOTE: Extension does not provide mentor teachers for the purpose of this practicum. You are responsible for finding your own mentor teacher.
• Mentor teachers should be working in a licensed, preferably accredited, facility. Family child care is not permitted. It is acceptable to select a kindergarten teacher as a mentor.
• Mentor teachers must have at least 5 years of experience working with children in the role of lead teacher or director. They should have a minimum of 24 units of training in early childhood education and meet the requirements for a master teacher permit. A site supervisor or director permit is desirable. The mentor teacher's credentials must be given to the Extension instructor at the first meeting.