Field Placement
Field Placement is a component of the diploma program that provides practical experience within community-based child care programs, enabling students to demonstrate skills that have been learned or simulated in the college classroom. Opportunities to actively engage children in planned and spontaneous programming experiences, observe, interact and supervise children a natural setting, and gain familiarity with operations and services that support children and families are inherent in field placement experiences.
Supervised by qualified Early Childhood Educators, students are guided through the Field Placement by College Field Supervisors, and through a formative evaluation process continuously improve their competence and skills. Four field placement experiences are offered as four course credits in the two years of study, providing students with exposure to various types of programs serving various age levels and varying needs.
Teaching is more than a set of observable skills. It involves knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Learning to be a good early childhood educator happens with feedback, guidance, support and practice. It happens best in an environment of respect. It is ongoing.
We are preparing our graduates for entry to practice. We hope to instill in them a love of learning, and a desire to continue to develop as educators of young children, as partners with and supports and guides for parents, and as reflective collaborative co-learners. Field placement gives the student an opportunity to learn through experience. It allows the student to apply basic principles which are taught in the college classrooms.
The college curriculum is planned according to ECE Program Standards, which are recognized as important in the development of Early Childhood Educators. These Standards provide a framework for placement opportunities and experiences. While the Learning Outcomes are similar for each placement, the performance level varies, allowing you the student to grow and learn at a manageable pace throughout your two years of study.
The Field Placement course occurs in each of the four semesters and follows the following model:
- First Placement: 9 (days) X 8 hours (1 day/wk X 8 hrs) = 72 hours
- Second Placement: 9 (weeks) X 24 hours (3 days/wk X 8 hrs) = 216 hours
- Third Placement: 9 (weeks) X 24 hours (3 days/wk X 8 hrs) = 216 hours
- Fourth Placement: 9 (weeks) X 16 hours (2 days/wk X 8hrs) = 144 hours The weekly
In order to successfully complete the Field Placement course and receive a grade of "R" (Requirements Met) the student must:
- Attend scheduled Field Placement seminar classes and complete the required days on placement.
- Demonstrate the required Learning Outcome rating as outlined in the Field Placement Feedback Form.
- Compile a Placement Portfolio binder to be submitted at the end of each placement to the College Supervisor which will demonstrate ongoing learning and development.
- Participate in the mid-term and final evaluation with the Placement Facilitator and complete a final interview with the College Supervisor.
Important Notes:
- Field Placement Seminar class is a mandatory class for each semester.
- Students will be required to travel to their placement.
- It is the responsibility of each student to make his or her own travel arrangements and cover any additional costs.