Sauk Valley Community College
Early Childhood Education Program
Goals for the Practicum Experience:
To provide the student an experience as a beginning Early Childhood practitioner in a child care agency
To assist the children in integrating knowledge and theory with actual practice
To provide tasks which lead to the development of competence in problem-solving at the first level of professional practice
To provide experience for developing beginning skills in social interaction with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities
To have an opportunity to work with diverse populations
To develop and practice personal and professional values
To professionally self-evaluate one’s own practice
Objectives for the Practicum Experience:
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of an Early Childhood worker in an agency setting
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical guidelines of the helping profession
Demonstrate an understanding of the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of individuals
Demonstrate an understanding of the models of observing, assessing, and recording behavior
Demonstrate and understanding of how to function as a team member with other professionals
Demonstrate the development of a respectful, caring, and supportive relationship of individuals
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources
Demonstrate knowledge of keys to good writing and record keeping
Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate interactions between the student, persons they are helping, and their supportive system
Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children
Demonstrate knowledge of methods for working with children with special needs
Demonstrate knowledge of culturally sensitive intervention approaches
Demonstrate the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to aggression
Demonstrate knowledge of stress management and self-care
Demonstrate knowledge for assessing and evaluation professional practice
Demonstrate the fostering of personal and professional growth through self-examination