In the previous topic, you had the opportunity to create your personal ecological system. Now you are going to create the ecological system of the classroom or center you will be working in to get the big picture of your students and the community you are serving. Later you will dive deeper into understanding each child and their family. This knowledge will help you design learning opportunities that align with the state or center standards/expectations and meet the individual needs of the students. It is important to remember that the notes taken of students need to be objective and not negative or subjective. Consider how the families might feel if they saw your notes about their child. When considering the whole child, teachers need to think about their families and the developmental domains.
Arrange the field experience for this course in a birth-preschool setting in which you observe and collaborate with an early childhood teacher. Prior to the field experience, review the requirements of all clinical field experiences for this course. Create a document to share with your principal mentor detailing the requirements for all field experiences for this course, and what is being requested of your mentor. This document should include the scheduling required to complete all assignments.
Allocate at least 6 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Use any remaining field experience hours to assist the mentor teacher in providing instruction and support to the class.
Follow the instructions below and complete Topic 2 of the “Birth through Preschool Early Childhood Practicum Template.”
Part 1: Interview and Reflection
Interview your mentor teacher about the school/center, students, and family. In the “Birth through Preschool Early Childhood Practicum Template,” write a 250-500 word reflection. Your interview must include, but not limited to, the following:
The best methods for communicating with your cooperating teacher/mentor.
The school philosophy, policies, calendar, and daily schedule.
The professional dispositions including expectations regarding dress, behavior, etc.
Required reports and recordkeeping, grading standards, and discipline procedures.
District/school resources provided based upon the learning expectations.
Expectations for students, routines, procedures, and an established classroom management plan. (This question will support your assignment in Topic 5.)
At least two additional questions regarding the classroom ecological system. (Be sure to review Part 2 of this assignment).
Any additional questions you have that will help you build an understanding of the classroom and students.
Part 2: Classroom Ecological System
For the first three systems, you will most likely need to interview the classroom teachers for some components and consider the conversations with families at drop-off, pick-up, and conferences. For the last three systems, conduct your own research to develop bullet points for the cultural facets and environmental changes.
Part 3: Whole Group Focus
Gather notes on 4-10 students. Observe and work with students to gather data in the following areas:
Physical development
Cognitive development
Language development
Social development
Emotional development
Family dynamics
Record data on the “Birth through Preschool Early Childhood Practicum Template.”
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