“The CHDEV 55A lab practicum class was incredibly meaningful, challenging and engaging. I loved collaborating with my peers [and] the instructors were very supportive and encouraging me to try new things. After the class, I felt much more confident and motivated to continue my teaching and learning journey.”
— Xueyou (Yoyo) Yang
55A Lab Practicum:
The 55A preschool laboratory is our culminating teaching course required for all Child Development majors. In 55A, you will work directly with children, under supervision, in a working preschool. This class is a fast paced and exciting experience that will give you a feel for how to run your own classroom, in a safe and structured environment.
As a student teacher in the Lab Practicum, you will:
- Develop and implement activity plans for various learning centers.
- Practice tools and skills to facilitate children’s learning.
- Collaborate with fellow student teachers to practice objective observation to document children’s behavior and learning
- Develop the skills to modify your teaching strategies based on observation.
- Gain proficiency in developmentally appropriate guidance and discipline methods.
- Lead circle time sessions and plan nutritious snacks for children.
- Become familiar with and demonstrate required health and safety procedures.
We find that regardless of previous work experience, graduates of the 55A Lab Practicum overwhelmingly report that it was an incredibly valuable time that helped them grow both personally and professionally.
“CHDEV 55A [is] an experience that every potential ECE provider should partake in on their academic journey. Michelle and Bonnie provided real life teaching experiences in conjunction with a phenomenal academic curriculum that required students to delve deep into their creative minds. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who has aspirations of being the type of teacher whose reputation will precede them.”
— Phillip Hall
55C Advanced Lab Practicum:
The elective 55C Advanced preschool laboratory class is a student-led experience, designed to deepen your understanding of a topic of your choosing.
In 55C, you will implement a semester-long project based on your interests, guided by your instructor. Possible project topics include:
- Observation, Documentation, and Assessment: You will observe 1-2 children in the classroom over a longer period of time and create a parent-ready Documentation and Assessment portfolio showcasing the children’s learning.
- The Role of a Head Teacher; Supervision and Organization of a Classroom: You will experience a leadership role of head teacher. You will oversee an entire preschool program, supervising 55A student teachers and offering support and feedback, as well as overseeing and supporting the routines and schedule of the classroom.
- Emergent Curriculum in a Chosen Activity Area: You will teach an emergent curriculum unit in an activity area chosen by you and the instructor. You will be taught the project cycle and how to expand children’s learning in that area.
- Field Work in the Community: Working with the instructor, you will be sent out to one of our community partners, to experience best practices in the field. This pathway allows you to connect with a coach in a high-quality preschool in the area, to offer a broader perspective on what Early Childhood Education can look like when it is treated with respect and care.
From your 55C experiences, you will perceive how the separate pieces of a developmentally appropriate program fit and function together.
55A is a prerequisite for 55C. They may not be taken concurrently.