6.1 Preparation for COOP-ECL1W: Leadership Internship
Best Practices in the ECL Program
Action Item (Bridged ECL Students Only)
Students must review Best Practices and complete the quiz found in the ECL1 Homeroom.
As emerging early childhood leaders, we acknowledge that our professional regulatory bodies set forth standards of practice that hold us accountable as students, as emerging professionals, and as practising professionals. The College of Early Childhood Educators, the College of Social Workers, and the Ontario College of Teachers are key professional regulatory bodies that students may register with based on their chosen pathway to early years professions and/or graduate studies.
In the B.ECL program at Fanshawe College, we promote within the classroom, field practicum and internships, the following professional practices:
- Inclusion & Professionalism: Students and faculty are expected to act in a professional manner that supports and represents our role as early childhood educators and leaders. This means we act with respect, are inclusive in language and in actions and are mindful at all times of age, appearance, ability, beliefs, culture, family composition, gender, race, socio-economic and sexuality, and how each area of diversity is to be respected.
- Behaviour & Attitude: The Student Code of Conduct applies both in class and on any practicum placement.
- Perception: Students are expected to dress respectfully with an understanding that we, as a profession, always strive to educate the public on our value as professionals. To be accepted as professionals, we must act professionally.
- Confidentiality: In class and on practicums, students are required to always maintain confidentiality regarding the children and families they interact with, as well as community partners and peers. Students will respect the confidentiality of all discussions in class.
- Academic Integrity: Students will follow the Fanshawe Academic Offence policy and the expectations of individual professors within the program. All written work will be submitted to Turnitin and will use APA Referencing. Any late papers/assignments will be deducted 10% per day unless the student has prior approval for an extension.
- Technology: Individual professors will discuss with your class their requirements regarding the use of technology in the classroom (cell phones, laptops, etc.).
- Social Media: Each student will do their utmost to consider their social media footprint and consider the content they post on social media accounts so that their professionalism is always maintained.
Permissions – Release of Student Information to Agency
The permission to release information is an agreement between the student, College, and Early Years Agency (Community Partner) regarding the Freedom of Information and Protection of Individual Privacy Act.
Action Item (Bridged ECL Students Only)
Students must sign off on these permissions by completing the quiz in the ECL1 Homeroom.
Synergy Requirements
Action Item
Students must complete all Field Pre-Placement Requirements by the due date assigned by Fanshawe College and your Field Coordinator. Failure to do so may result in a withdrawal or delayed practicum.
Health and Safety Standards
Your future career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) requires you to meet specific health and safety standards before you can begin your first clinical/field placement. Why?
- To protect you, your placement agency co-workers, and those individuals you will serve during placement;
- To meet regulations set out by Ontario law;
- To meet placement agency requirements before joining their organization.
For more information, talk to your Pre-Placement Coordinator (Jill Bourque), who will also send all enrolled students an email with information about this process.
Additional Information
Here is the Fanshawe College link to the list of documents and conditions which must be completed as part of your pre-placement requirements: Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (ECL1) – Post-Admission Requirements.
Medical Clinic on Campus
All students have access to the Fowler Kennedy medical clinic. The clinic can complete all medical forms related to pre-placement and administer vaccinations.
Agency/College Support Letter
An Agency/College Support Letter from Fanshawe may be required by your local police agency in order to process a PVSC. If your local police agency accepts only original, signed documents, please contact the Pre-Placement Coordinator.
Fanshawe’s Agency/College Support Letter (London Campus)[PDF]
FANCard
Your FANCard is your official Fanshawe identification card. Your FANCard also has your built in bus pass. Simply tap your FANCard when you board any London Transit Commission (LTC) bus.
Considering Internship Sites: Your Passions and Interests
As you prepare for your summer internship, it is beneficial to reflect on your passions and interests in the ECEC field. Whether your interest is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), outdoor play, inclusive education, family engagement, or cultural programming, there is likely an agency that aligns with your goals. The internship can provide you with an opportunity to practice your skills and discover what truly excites you about working in the Early Years field.
In the Internship Seminar course we reflect on the Whole Leadership Framework (Talan et al., 2023) to think about Early Years leadership skills and competencies. Before your Internship, consider your passions and what domains of leadership you wish to practise and develop. Below is a summary table of the research findings regarding Leadership domains and the skills/competencies within those domains.
| Leadership Area | Description | Skills Interns May Develop/Practice |
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| Pedagogical Leadership | Facilitating a Community of Learning.
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| Administrative Leadership | Establish and maintain systems that meet the needs of children, their families and the communities in which they live.
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| Leadership Essentials | Creating a culture of caring, equity and inclusion. These foundational competencies and behaviours are necessary for relationship building expressed in leadership style developed through reflective practice:
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Student Tips on Preparing for Internship
- Reflect upon your passions and interests in the Early Years to gauge where you would like to complete your internship.
- Practice self-reflection to ensure that your experience is meaningful and aligns with your goals.
- Research various early years agencies; there is a wide range of opportunities that are available and may capture your interest!
- Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge that interests you, as you will be supported along the way!
- Explore the Early Years agency where you will be completing your internship more deeply to prepare for your interview and develop your SMART goals. Remember to align your goals with the vision/priorities of the agency.
- Begin to develop a relationship with your agency mentor prior to starting, this will help to ensure a smooth transition into your internship.
- Remember to remain adaptable!
