Early Childhood Education (EDU) Policies & Procedures
Uniform
All Early Childhood Education (EDU) students must present a neat, well-groomed appearance at all times. No specific uniform is required. Students should always provide a dress and appearance that is indicative of good self-esteem and self-image and reflects the ability to appropriately and productively function in society in a professional manner. The practicum site has the right to request the student change their mode of dress if it is a distraction to the environment.
In addition to the above dress and appearance requirements, EDU students are subject to the requirements outside facilities.
Assignments
All assignments must be submitted by the due date to receive credit for them. If extenuating circumstances make this impossible, it is the responsibility of the student to make an appointment with the instructor and set a date for submitting the assignment.
Confidentiality
Faculty will manage breaks of confidentiality.
Testing and Examinations
Different instructors in the program use various techniques and frequencies in testing and evaluation. Students are expected to be present at all examinations. Tests may be given at any time in any course with or without previous notice by the instructor.
Punctuality and Attendance
Punctuality to class and to the affiliating practicum facilities is crucial. If students are unavoidably detained, they should report to their instructor the reason for their tardiness for a class and to their practicum site supervisor for scheduled practicum duty.
On days when the student would normally be at their practicum site but cannot be, they are to call the site to which they are assigned and explain to their site supervisor why they cannot be there. The student must make arrangements with the practicum site supervisor to make up the hours missed since the total number of practicum hours required for that semester must still be met. EDU students are required to complete 210 hours of practicum. A completed time sheet is a requirement for course completion.
Course Prerequisites
The nature of the curriculum is such that certain courses should not be taken unless the appropriate background courses are taken first. Prerequisites to specific courses are listed in this catalog with the description of the course. All sequential courses should be taken in order. Taking a course without the required prerequisite requires permission of the Early Childhood Education full-time instructor.
Upon entering the program students who present a valid and current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential will be given credit for EDU1131 – Health, Safety, and Nutrition and EDU1135 – Creative Experiences for the Young Child.
Practicum/Clinical Experience
EDU students should have successfully completed the following courses prior to entering a practicum: EDU1111 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education, EDU1120 – Introduction to Child Development, EDU1131 – Health, Safety and Nutrition, and EDU2240 – Family, Schools & Community and EDU2245 – Observation & Assessment, and permission from the Early Childhood Education full-time instructor. Final decision to place the student in a practicum is that of the Early Childhood Education full-time instructor. EDU students must also have a cumulative letter grade average of at least “C” (2.0) and a cumulative letter grade average of at least “C” (2.0) in all EDU courses.
EDU students who are currently Head Start employees, have a career goal of one day working for Head Start, or believe they may have an interest in the future, must complete their practicum in a pre-kindergarten supervised teaching environment in which they will complete 210 hours of practicum experience and in which they assume major responsibility for the full range of teacher and care giving duties for a group of young children which is to include at least some opportunity to work with exceptional children. This gives them the preparation for the ODE Associate Pre-K License.
EDU students having no desire to work for Head Start who also believe they are not likely to have an interest in working for Head Start in the future may complete their practicums in childcare facilities other than pre-kindergarten supervised teaching environments.
Entry or reentry into a practicum may be dependent upon prerequisite activities deemed appropriate by the EDU Program Leader, Early Childhood Education full-time instructor, or Dean. Assignment of a student to a practicum may particularly be dependent on attendance in classes prerequisite to the practicum. Students will also be required to pass a background (FBI, BCI) check along with other requirements as requested by practicum site s.
EDU students requiring more information regarding practicum should contact the Faculty Practicum Supervisor of the respective program or the Early Childhood Education full-time instructor.
Emergency Care
Student’s medical or emergency care in case of illness or accidents incurred while on duty at a practicum site should be provided in conformity with the standard health care service extended to practicum facility personnel as defined in the personnel policies of the practicum facility. Any illnesses or accidents should be reported at once to the facility practicum site supervisor and immediately thereafter to the faculty practicum supervisor or Early Childhood Education full-time instructor. Students must be seen by a physician of their choice. Before students may return to their practicum site, they must have written authorization from their physician. Financial responsibility for any related medical treatment lies with the student and/or the above-referenced insurance.