Field Experience (Practicum, Lab, & Internship)
Early Childhood Field Experience
As an NAEYC Accredited Early Childhood Higher Education Program, we prepare competent early childhood professionals by providing high-quality field experiences and multiple opportunities for students to observe and practice with young children. Learn more about the requirements and expectations of our Early Childhood On-Campus Field Experience and Early Childhood Off-Campus Field Experience.
Family Studies Practicum
Field must be documented in a minimum of 120 hours of direct contact focusing on family life education. This is typically met by a 3-credit course called Practicum (FAM 4860). The Practicum experience is in addition to academic preparation centering on adult education methods and program development. It focuses on family life education and prevention rather than therapy, counseling, social work, early childhood education, etc.
Fingerprinting
Background Checks for Early Childhood Field Experience
- You will need a background clearance from the Utah Department of Health for ECED 4720 Student Teaching in the Children's School, ECED 2860 Practicum in Early Childhood, and ECED 4860 Practicum in Early Childhood. The background clearance must be completed prior to the beginning of the semester in which you are enrolled. See ECED 2860/4860 & 4720 Background Check Policies.
- You will need a background check for ECED 4721 Student Teaching K-3, ECED 4861 Practicum K-3, and Teacher Education practicum courses in the school district through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Check WSU Background Check information.
- You do NOT need a background check for ECED 2610 and ECED 2620.
- If your field experience is off campus, you must additionally meet the program expectations for ethics, safety, and professionalism. If the program requires proof of background check, you may get it done through USBE.
Background Checks for Family Studies Practicum
Students enrolled in FAM 2990B and FAM 4860 Practicum will be required to pass a background check for the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification prior to course practicum. Find information on Family Studies Fingerprinting. Completed fingerprint forms will be submitted to the Department of Child and Family Studies and then sent to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Background checks take eight weeks to complete.
Early Childhood Education Program Field Experiences: Growing with You throughout the Program
Young children are considered a vulnerable population. Professional training requires significant practical experience. Early course experiences focus on watching and understanding practice. As you progress, opportunities to practice, co-teach, and lead expand.
Observe
Watch intentionally to learn
Active Practice
Try it yourself with guidance
Co-Teach
Teach alongside a mentor
Lead
Take on Lead responsibility
| Course | Semester Hours | When and How Often | Your Role | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECED 2500 Development of the Child |
5 | 3 times a semester with specific assignments | OBSERVE | Observe children from three age groups and connect to child development. |
| ECED 2600 Introduction to Early Childhood Education |
12 | 3 times a semester with specific assignments | OBSERVE | Observe three different types of community early childhood programs and complete assignment @4 hrs each |
| ECED 2610 Guidance Based on Developmental Theory |
24 | 2 hrs. same day each week | ACTIVE PRACTICE | Work with children while intentionally practicing guidance skills from the course. |
| ECED 2180 Collaborating with Families |
10 | 3 times a semester with specific assignments | OBSERVE | Interview program staff and video record practice implementing discussions with families and follow-up communication. |
| ECED 2645 Curriculum and Assessment |
10 | Connected to identified module assignments | OBSERVE | Observe child-centered curriculum in practice across multiple sessions. |
| ECED 2620 Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children |
30 | 2 hrs./week; same day each week | 6 hrs OBSERVE + 24 hrs ACTIVE PRACTICE |
Observe children and actively practice teaching strategies and curriculum planning. |
| ECED 2860 Practicum |
90 | 6 hrs./week; 3 hrs, same 2 days each week | CO-TEACH | Work in the teaching team to plan and implement child-centered emergent curriculum. |
| ECED 3550 Infants & Toddlers: Development and Practice |
18 | 1.5 hrs./week; same day each week | ACTIVE PRACTICE | Work directly with infants and toddlers while practicing course concepts. |
| ECED 4230 Observing and Assessing Children in Context |
24 | At designated points in the semester scheduled with specific assignments | OBSERVE | Observe to understand and assess children. |
| ECED 4720 0-5 Student Teaching |
320 | 20 hrs./week; 4 hours/day, Monday–Friday | CO-TEACH -> LEAD | Co-teach and progressively assume classroom leadership. |
| ECED 4890 Cooperative Work Experience |
135 | 8 hours per week; schedule varies by placement | ACTIVE PRACTICE | Participate actively in a professional setting connected to individual professional goals. |
| ECED 4861 1 credit ECED 4861 2 credit K-3 Practicum |
30 60 |
2.5 hrs/week same day 5 hrs/week |
ACTIVE PRACTICE | Work with school grade K-1 classrooms Work with school grade 2-3 classrooms |
| ECED 4721 K-3 Student Teaching |
480 | Full-time for 12 weeks; M–F r based on mentor teacher’s contracted schedule | CO-TEACH -> LEAD | Follow the mentor teacher's schedule as you progress from co-teaching toward classroom leadership. |
All active practice, co-teach, and lead field experiences require availability during daytime work hours, M-F, 8-5.
Documentation for NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standard F, Field Experience Quality, requires observation or practice in 2 settings and 3 age groups of children.