Advanced Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings - CHD 265 at Southwest Virginia Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/swcc/courses/CHD265-AdvancedObservationandParticipationinEarlyChildhoodPrimarySettings
Effective: 2025-05-01
Course Description
Focuses on implementation of activity planning and observation of children through participation in early childhood settings. Emphasizes responsive teaching practices and assessment of children's development. Reviews legal and ethical implications of working with children. Supports the student in creating a professional educational portfolio. Includes minimum 30 hours of field placement in early learning setting.
Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
To provide students with a field experience, focusing on teaching practices and child observation skills. Students will participate with different age groups and will develop and implement learning activities for children.
Course Objectives
- Analyze and reflect on techniques in teaching and facilitating learning gained by participating in daily routines and planned activities with children.
- Design appropriate environments and learning activities for all children, including those with special needs and varying cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrate responsive teaching using appropriate observation, assessment and evaluation techniques for decision making.
- Illustrate the importance of professionalism, advocacy, and leadership.
- Participate in self-assessment, evaluation, and ongoing professional renewal as a practicing professionals in an early childhood setting.
- Identify and apply current State and National standards and competencies as they relate to working with children and families.
- Demonstrate how to integrate elements of quality improvement tools.
- Design an education portfolio based around national standards for demonstrating skills and professionalism.
Major Topics to be Included
- Work place skills, attitudes and values
- Curriculum development and child study
- Teaching goals and competencies
- Advocacy and professionalism
- Professional standards and legal requirements for teaching
- Adaptation of early childhood activities and environments