1.3 Overview of the ECL Field Practicums

In an Early Years setting (typically an infant and toddler room), students will have opportunities to integrate course knowledge into practice. Working collaboratively with classroom educators, students consolidate knowledge in building responsive relationships, respectful interactions, and the pedagogical processes in relation to varying abilities and temperaments. Students will actively engage in processes of observing, documenting, and developing curriculum that is child-centered, play-based, and linked to current pedagogical documents and evidence-based practices. Maintaining healthy and safe environments, aligned with legislative and legal requirements will be emphasized. Students will be expected to exhibit professional behaviour that is grounded in ethical practices. Reflective practice will be utilized as a method to enhance integration of the field experience.

Chapter 4: FLDP-7015: Field Practicum 0-3 Years

In a school-aged setting (typically a Kindergarten classroom), students will have opportunities to build on the foundational experience gained during the first field practicum. Working collaboratively with educator teams, students consolidate knowledge in observational methods, pedagogical documentation, play-based learning in a culture of inquiry curriculum planning and building responsive and inclusive relationships with children and families in a Kindergarten Classroom. Students have opportunities to discuss program-related issues and evidence-based pedagogical practices in the kindergarten classroom. Students engage in self-reflection for the purpose of developing professional goals to increase responsibility and knowledge as emerging leaders. Respectful and reciprocal relationships with children, families and the school community will be emphasized as foundational elements of practice. Reflective practice will be utilized as a method to enhance the integration of the field experience.

Chapter 5: FLDP-7017: Field Practicum 3-6 Years

The third-year internship is a 420-hour work experience in an early childhood program, a related child and family service, or a relevant government department. Students will apply strategies to support continuous learning and promote effective pedagogical practices in an early childhood setting. The internship offers students the opportunity to pursue a placement setting according to their future and/or academic interests and goals. The internship may be local, elsewhere in Canada, or in an international setting. At the completion of the internship, students will have developed a professional portfolio that documents exemplary pedagogical practices as well as leadership competencies.

Chapter 6: COOP-ECL1: Leadership Internship

In this course, students will use the theoretical and technical knowledge gained throughout previous semesters of the program to undertake a specific project that addresses an identified program issue. Students will work in their internship site (if possible) to evaluate and propose a solution to address a specific program area that may benefit from strengthening related to curriculum and pedagogy. Students model collaborative leadership throughout the process.

Chapter 7 FLDP-7007 Solutions for Early Childhood Leaders