Practicum - Child Development Observation Techniques Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CDEC-1264-001 Practicum - Child Development Observation Techniques

Prerequisites

Course Description

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(2 sem hrs; 20 hrs practicum)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required text:  The Power of Observation for Birth Through Eight, Second Edition.  Jablon, Dombrom and Dichtelmiller

Suggested additional text:  Bredekamp, V.S. & Copple, C. (1997). "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs". Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Supplies

3 Ring Binder for Final Assignment 

Student Performance

 

To satisfactorily complete this course, the student will:

1. Complete 240 clock hours of observation in an early childhood setting which includes children between infant and preschool age.
2. Attend all class sessions.  Absences can significantly lower a grade.
3. Come prepared for each session.
4. Complete all assignments on time.
5. Work cooperatively in group activities. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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Grading Criteria

 Grading:      Observation Hours and Notes       40%                                      A=90-100%

Teacher Initiated Activity                 20%                                      B=80-89%                        

Attendance & Participation            20%                                      C=70-79%

                       Final Project                                     20%                                      D=60-69%      

100%                                       F=59 or lower

            Please remember, if you do not complete the class and fail to drop the course it is an automatic F on your transcript.

 Make-up Policy:  Any project or assignment that is not turned in on-time will result in points deducted.  Failure to turn in completed assignments will result in a lower grade. Please keep me informed if an assignment will be late.

Attendance

Participation:

This class meets only 8 times. During seven of these classes, you will be working with a learning partner, in a small group or as a whole group completing discussions and learning exercises related to the reading assignment homework. Therefore, it is important to your classmates that your come to class prepared to discuss your reading and observation experiences. Your participation in these discussions is how you learn and how you share your learning with others.

Attending class will also be a very important part of your participation grade. Class will begin on time, every time and will end on time as well. Barring an illness or emergency, arriving late and leaving early will affect your participation grade.

Please call me as soon as you know you will miss a class, and I will advise you about any make-up work to be completed.

 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

 Course Purpose:

Ideally, this should be your first semester at AC in the Child Development Program.  We planned this particular course to give you a firm understanding of children, through the process of observation & reflection, as well as the role of the teacher as you begin this degree plan.  You will be introduced to some key concepts that educators use to provide high quality experiences to young children.  You will see a variety of examples of high quality in videos and in your observations.  All of the assignments, activities, and readings should help you prepare for an exciting career. 

 We also want to use this class to introduce you to AC and the types of services available to you.  This department wants you to have a very successful beginning to your college life, and we want you to have a long and proud career with children.  If you ever need assistance with AC procedures or with obtaining help with AC requirements, we will be there for you.  Students who work hard and show commitment to their studies should have lots of doors open to them.  Please let us know how we can help you achieve your dream.

 Practicum/Observation Hours:

 You will complete at least 20 hours a week (total of 240 hours by the final class date) of practicum/observation time with children ages birth to 5 years old.  An External Learning Agreement Form must be returned with the packet that you and your supervisor will have signed.  This will usually be your regular work schedule and making your usual careful observations of children, but may also include some time with children of different ages depending on your classroom assignment.  This practicum is intended to help you be a professional and, on-the-job-training, as provided with this class, is a special opportunity to develop those professional capabilities.

 Grading for Observation hours:          240 hours = 100 points

                                                            230 hours =89 points

                                                            220 hours = 79 points

                                                            210 hours =69 points

                                                            Below 210 hours =No grade for course

                        *AT LEAST 45 hours MUST be done at AC’s Child Development Lab School

 Students who are working with young children may complete the practicum hours by observing at their work location, except the required 45 observation hours at the AC Lab School.  Students who are not working with young children are to complete the practicum/observation at the AC Lab School.  Please, make an appointment with me for an orientation to the center before beginning observations.  Contact me ASAP to set up an appointment.  A negative TB test (within the past year) and a cleared criminal history are a requirement for you to be able to observe in the AC Lab School.

 Your supervisor is to sign the forms contained in the observation experience packet. Changes in the work place are to be shared with me as soon as possible, such as changing job locations or moving to a new supervisor.

 External Learning Experiences Packet: 

 Students will be asked to submit the External Learning Experience Training Agreement which will include information and a signature from the student’s supervisor.  At the conclusion of the observation experience, the student’s supervisor is asked to complete the External Learning Experience Student Evaluation.  At the same time, the student will complete the Student Objective Report Form.

 Students are also required to keep a weekly Record of Observation sheet documenting the date, time and ages of observation.  This log is to be brought to class each time so that the instructor may sign off on the log. 

 All four documents—the External Learning Experience Training Agreement, External Learning Experience Student Evaluation, Student Objective Report Form, and the Record of Observation Sheet will be due at the final class of the semester. 

 Observation Notes:

 Your observation notes should be hand-written during your observations of children.  You will record your observations in your Child Observation Record.  During each class period, I will check your original notes to see that you have done them, but you will keep them.  Your Child Observation Record will be turned in at the end of the course in your notebook.

*You are required to fill out an observation for each Category Level. This allows you to look for specific observations and learn the levels of development to know what to expect.  Also, please use code names or initials for the children you observe so as to prevent sharing of personal information of the children you are observing. 

  

Writing Assignments:

            This class with have at least two writing assignments:  Teacher Initiated Activity and the Final Assignment.  All writing assignments must be 12 pt font, double-spaced, with one inch margins.  Each student is required to have a separate cover page with name, date, and name of assignment.  All writing assignments must use correct spelling and grammar.  If writing assignments do not meet these criteria student will be given one opportunity to correct the format.  Incorrect formats will significantly negatively impact the grade for the assignment.  If a student needs additional help with writing, please contact the Access Learning Center located on Washington Street Campus - Lynn Library, 3rd Floor, 806-371-5434.The ACcess Learning Centers have basic academic skill programs that support skill building in the areas of reading, math, grammar and writing.

Things to Remember:

• Feel free to ask questions, I’m here to help.
• This class is designed to help you learn to observe and understand the young child—a wonderful skill that will serve you well in your professional and personal lives.
• We will be sharing this journey together, so let’s have fun and help each other learn and grow in this class!