Early Childhood Education Practicum and Seminar

During the practicums, students practice the theory they have learned in their ECE Basic classes. The practicums have an emphasis on practicing observation methods, social interactions with children, building and maintaining partnerships with families and community services, and working as a team. While on practicum, the students will learn how to engage in classroom observations and interactive experiences with children, families and program staff. Students are expected to read and understand all classroom policies and procedures. Students will work alongside a certified ECE and will observe how the program operates daily. The students will create and implement activity plans that are emergent or based on the early learning and child care program philosophy. They will use various observation methods to record how the children are participating in the activities. After the activities are complete, the student will reflect on the experience and how they could extend children’s learning. They will create and implement their practicum goals and they will reflect on them during the seminar and with their Practicum Supervisor from the College. Students will learn the importance of reflective practice in early learning and child care environments. While attending seminar, students will reflect on their field experience and consider the competencies that they may have found challenging. They will review pedagogical narratives and how they could extend children’s learning with new activities and experiences. Students will complete three practicums. Each practicum is 160 hours of practical experience in a licensed child care centre.  Students will also attend seminars at the College during their practicum period.