Child Development Practicum

Catalog description

Students must work or volunteer in a licensed childcare facility or school serving children birth through age eight to apply the knowledge acquired and skills learned in previous coursework. Placement must be in a quality program (a program meeting Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC accreditation Standards, Arkansas Better Chance Standards, or Level three Better Beginnings Standards). The instructor will observe and evaluate students following NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Students must demonstrate competency in all areas observed and complete a minimum of an average of seven and a half (7.5) clock hours weekly, totaling a minimum of 113 hours for the semester. An Arkansas Child Maltreatment Background Check is required (for a fee). A report of maltreatment will result in a student not being allowed to complete the course.