CFD 378B: Preschool Lab
Department of Child and Family Development
San Diego State University
Fall 2014
Instructor: Pamela Gardner, M.S.
Email: pgardner@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: EBA 259
Office Hours: Office hours will vary each week. Check Blackboard for office hours.
Technology Support: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~students/stylesheet.cgi?main.htm
Student Disability Services: http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/index.html
Class Requirements/Assignments/Grading:
This class is graded on a credit/no credit basis.
You will earn credit for the class if you:
☐ complete each assignment and
☐submit required paperwork and
☐earn a minimum of 80 points (out of a possible 100) and
☐complete 40 hours of lab experience in your assigned site and
☐earn a minimum of a “2” on each evaluation criterion. The evaluation criteria are described in the
Performance Indicators.
Points are earned for orientation and class attendance. If you miss more than one orientation/class meeting,
you cannot pass the class. In the chart below, items marked with an asterisk (*) are “all or nothing” points.
Points are awarded if you attend the meeting on the scheduled dates, from beginning to end. Other items are
graded.
Attendance: Be on time to earn points!
Class orientation
Children’s Center orientation
Midterm class meeting
One-on-one conference with instructor
Documentation: Completed accurately with appropriate signatures
Midterm timesheet
Points
8
8
8
8
Points
5
32
*
*
*
*
30
Midterm evaluation (includes meeting and supervisor evaluation form)
Final timesheet
Final evaluation (includes meeting and supervisor evaluation form)
Written Assignments:
Letter of introduction
Thank-you letter (hardcopy)
Midterm Reflection (submitted with timesheet and evaluation)
Final Practicum Reflection (submitted with timesheet and evaluation)
10
5
10
Points 38
7
7
12
12
100
Required Documents for Orientation: Available on Children’s Center Website (CFD Volunteers)
 Valid negative TB test result (the test cannot be any older than December 2013)
 Copy of complete syllabus and all required documents
 Confidential Data Sheet
 Emergency Contact Information
 Statement of Health
 Criminal Record Statement
 Volunteer Application
 Injuries caused at work/code of safe practices (signature page only)
 Proof of prerequisites: Print a Degree Audit Report (DAR) showing “Okay preparation for major.”
 Please read the additional postings regarding the Children’s Center on their website, including Special
Insights to Working with Preschoolers, 3-4 Years.
Alignment Of Student Learning Objectives with National Standards
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has implemented Professional
Preparation core standards for Professional Teaching Standards for PreK-3 teachers. This course utilizes these
standards in identifying course goals/objectives, course instructional activities, assigning course requirements,
and creating assessments. The following table identifies how these standards are aligned with the Student
Learning Objectives for the course, as well as with each course assessment.
Student Learning Objectives
Incorporate knowledge of early childhood
development and practices to design and
implement developmentally appropriate
activities.
Assessment
Standards
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 1, 4, 5
Plan, implement, and evaluate instructional
activities for preschoolers with an
understanding of content knowledge in early
education.
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 4, 5
Create healthy, respectful, supportive, and
challenging environments for preschoolers.
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 1
Collaborate with classroom teachers and involve
oneself with the early childhood community field.
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 6
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 2, 3, 4
Individualize developmentally effective
approaches that connect with children and
families.
Utilize observation, documentation and other
appropriate assessment tools.
Implement and uphold ethical standards and other
professional guidelines.
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
NAEYC 3
NAEYC 6, 7
Student Learning Objectives
Integrate knowledgeable, critical, and
reflective perspectives on early care and
education.
Assessment
Midterm and Final Evaluation
Final Reflection
Standards
NAEYC 6, 7
Assignments
Letter of Introduction
This is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the staff and the parents of the children in your classroom. It
should be one page long, include a recent, clear, color photograph of you, and describe your experiences
working with children. It should convey enthusiasm and professionalism. PLEASE proofread carefully as this
will be posted in your classroom for all to read. Provide one copy to your classroom teacher and another copy
to your instructor on the due-date. Please make the letter personal to your teacher and his/her classroom. An
example is posted on Blackboard in “Course Documents.”
Reflection Assignments
Reflection is an essential component of effective practice, and provides an opportunity for personal and
professional growth. You will write a midterm and final reflection for each internship class. This assignment
provides an opportunity for you to reflect on the activities in and around your placement. The questions will be
posted one week before the reflection is due. Your instructor will respond to and grade the assignments as
follows:
0: no entry
1-6: entry is poorly written and/or shows minimal insight or reflection,
does not fully address questions
7-12: entry submitted on time and written clearly, shows evidence of reflection and analysis, fully
addresses questions
Thank-you Letter
This is an opportunity for you to thank your mentor teacher for the opportunity to work in his/her classroom and
share any insight, learning, or other information that you feel reflects the time spent with the children, families,
and staff of your center. This should be a professional business letter. Please visit SDSU Career Services on
campus for guidance in writing a business letter. An example is posted on Blackboard in “Course
Documents.”
Placement (sign-up) Meeting
Friday, August 22 from 8-11am in EBA 408
Please come prepared with all required documents. You will not be able to select a lab
time and classroom until all documents have been submitted, including TB results.
Class Meetings (mandatory to attend)
Orientation meeting – Friday, August 29 at 7am in EBA 412
Mid-semester meeting – Tuesday, October 14 at 7am (location to be determined)
Center Orientations
Friday, September 12th at 6pm will be cottage orientations for the Dolphins,
Elephants, Whales, and Giraffes for the SDSU preschool classrooms. For the Lakeside
preschool, students must attend a parent orientation either on September 3 from 6-7:30pm
or September 4 from 9-10:30am.
THESE MEETINGS ARE ALL MANDATORY. IF YOU MISS MORE THAN ONE OF THE
GROUP/COTTAGE MEETINGS, YOU WILL EARN “NO CREDIT” IN THE CLASS.
One-on-One Meeting with Instructor
Students are expected to meet with Pam Gardner during the weeks of October 20, October 27, or November 3
to discuss their lab experiences. This meeting will take about five minutes. Stop in during office hours,
appointments are not necessary. Do not wait until the last minute to have your meeting. If students do not
participate in this meeting, they will not earn credit for the class.
Performance Meetings and Reviews
Twice during the semester you will schedule time to meet with your mentor teacher to discuss your job
performance. These meetings must take place during the weeks of October 13 and December 1. Give your
supervisor plenty of time to arrange these meetings. Do not ask for a meeting at the last minute. Prior to
each meeting, ask your supervisor to complete the Practicum Evaluation. Make sure to give the evaluation
form (include the instructions for the evaluations and performance indicators) to your supervisor well
in advance of the meeting. The completed evaluations will be used as a basis for discussion.
PRACTICUM
This is a semester-long experience. You must complete 40 hours of lab work in a preschool classroom. Take
your time sheet to each visit and have your mentor teacher sign it. If you forget your time sheet, your time will
not be counted. Your mentor teacher will not sign your time sheet later. Likewise, you must arrive in your
classroom on or before your scheduled time to begin. If you are late, you may not work late that day to make up
for your tardiness. If you work at the Lakeside preschool, you must attend a 90-minute Volunteer Orientation
before beginning your lab hours. School begins at this school on Tuesday, September 9.
 You are expected to work four consecutive hours each visit for a total of 40 hours, and work through the
end of the semester, not missing any scheduled days.
*If you are late or do not show up as expected more than twice, a grade of “No Credit” will be
earned. No exceptions.
*Do not divide your hours into smaller timeframes.
*Distribute your hours evenly over the course of the semester, four hours each week.
*DO NOT ask for extra hours at the end of the semester because you have not planned well.
Likewise, DO NOT finish early in the semester.
 You are expected to participate in planning and implementing at least two thoughtful activities in concert
with your mentor teacher. In addition, you will participate in professional development (attend a staff meeting,
attend a parent/teacher conference, or attend a professional conference).
 You will support your center’s parent involvement program. This may include creating such communication
tools as documentation boards, letters, brochures, workshops, or posters.
 You will participate in observation and assessment.
 You will document your hours accurately.
 You will maintain confidentiality and privacy of the children and families of your center. If you have
concerns about a child or family, speak with the center directors, teachers, or course instructor.
 You will conduct yourself in a professional manner:
*Appropriate, modest attire – no short skirts, spaghetti straps, skin-baring pants or tops, etc. (Check to
see that you can sit, move, and bend in your clothes without exposing belly, cleavage, undergarments, or
your rear!). Be respectful to staff, parents, other interns, and, of course, the children.
Note to Students on the 2011/2012 and More Recent Catalogs
Students who are under the 2011/2012 and more recent catalogs for the CFD major (see your Degree Audit
Report) are required to compile a reflective learning portfolio comprised of various CFD assignments. There are
several mandatory signature assignments which must be included in the portfolio. One of the required
assignments includes the two Practicum Summative Evaluations (midterm and final evaluation) from one of
the CFD 378 classes. Make sure to make copies of your CFD 378B evaluations to save for your records.
Signature assignments will also be uploaded into TaskStream.
TaskStream
CFD Majors who are enrolled in this course will need to have a TaskStream electronic portfolio subscription, and
be enrolled in the appropriate TaskStream "Program" which contains your program portfolio. More information
about purchasing a TaskStream subscription and enrolling into a TaskStream Program is available in the “CFD
Portfolio” section of the Child and Family Development website: http://coe.sdsu.edu/cfd/portfolio/index.php
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your
accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that
accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability cannot be provided until
you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK
Friday, 8/22
Activities
SDSU Children’s Center and Lakeside preschool classroom
sign-ups from 8-11am in EBA 408.
Week of 8/25
Attend class orientation meeting at 7am in EBA 412 on
Friday, 8/29.
Week of 9/1
For students assigned to the Lakeside preschool, attend a
a parent orientation on 9/ 3 from 6-7:30pm or on 9/4 from
9-10:30am.
For students assigned to the Lakeside preschool, begin
working this week (classes begin at this center on 9/9). Learn
children’s names, observe, and introduce yourself to families
and colleagues.
Week of 9/8
Week of 9/15
Week of 9/22
For students placed in the SDSU Children’s Center, attend a
Center/Cottage orientation on Friday, 9/12 at 6pm. These
orientations are for the following classrooms: Dolphins,
Elephants, Whales, and Giraffes.
If assigned to the SDSU Children’s Center, begin working
this week. Learn children’s names, observe, and introduce
yourself to families and colleagues.
Due
All paperwork, including current
TB clearance.
Read Syllabus.
Review Syllabus before the meeting.
Give letter of introduction to
Lakeside mentor teacher this week
and a copy to Pam Gardner (EBA
259) by 9/19 at noon.
Read about the CA Preschool
Learning Foundations –
the link to the website is on Bb in
“Course Documents.”
Give letter of introduction to SDSU
mentor teacher this week and a copy
to Pam Gardner (EBA 259) by 9/19
at noon.
Observe, get to know children and families. Talk with mentor
about responsive caregiving and primary care assignments.
Talk with mentor about ideas for your professional
development. Remember, you cannot pass this class without
taking part in at least one professional development activity.
Week of 9/29
Observe, get to know children and families. Observe how
children use play as a vehicle for learning. Start
implementing activities based on observations and your
knowledge of child development. Talk with mentor about
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and start
participating in DAP. Be sure to complete at least one activity
prior to the mid-term evaluation with mentor.
Week of 10/6
Talk with mentor about communicating with and supporting
parents. Begin supporting families.
Week of 10/13
Talk with mentor about observation and assessment. Observe
and assess.
Meet with mentor for midterm review.
Review the CA Preschool
Learning Foundations – link on
Bb in “Course Documents.”
Attend mandatory class meeting on
Tuesday, October 14 at 7am
(location to be determined)
Week of 10/20
Discuss with mentor how to implement activities that support
Submit evaluation, midterm
specific content areas. Implement activities that support specific reflection, and time sheet to Pam
Gardner (EBA 259) by 10/21 at
content areas.
Noon.
Meet with Pam Gardner this week or during the next two weeks.
Week of 10/27
Discuss with your mentor how technology is used in his/her
classroom. Begin thinking about your views on technology in
preschool settings.
Meet with Pam Gardner this week or next week.
Week of 11/3
Week of 11/10
Continue to observe, assess, support families, and implement
content-based developmentally appropriate activities.
Meet with Pam Gardner if you haven’t done so during the two
previous weeks.
Continue to observe, assess, support families, and implement
content-based developmentally appropriate activities.
Week of 11/17
Continue to observe, assess, support families, and implement
content-based developmentally appropriate activities.
Week of 11/24
THANKSGIVING WEEK – Optional time in the classroom,
no required lab hours this week
Week of 12/1
Continue to observe, assess, support families, and implement
content-based developmentally appropriate activities.
Week of 12/8
Meet with mentor for your final performance review. Give
mentor your thank-you letter.
Work in your classroom if you have hours to make up.
Give your mentor your thank-you
letter
Submit final evaluation, final time
sheet, final reflection, and copy of
thank-you letter to Pam
Gardner (EBA 259) by 12/11
at Noon.
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY CFD 378B
STUDENT CONTRACT
Fall 2014
Submit to instructor at orientation meeting
[ ]
I confirm that I have read and understand the syllabus for this class.
[ ]
I understand that I am expected to behave professionally and that unprofessional behavior (including
being late or not showing up more than two times) will result in “No Credit” for this class.
[ ]
I understand that I must design and implement at least two thoughtful developmentally appropriate
activities and must participate in one relevant professional development activity.
[ ]
I understand that I am responsible for keeping track of my hours, and working fewer than 40 hours will
result in “No Credit” for this class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
[ ]
I understand that my paperwork (time sheets, evaluation forms, etc.) must be submitted on time.
[ ]
I understand that my reflections must be well written.
[ ]
I understand that I must earn at least 80 points in order to pass this class and that fewer than 80 points
will result in “No Credit” for CFD 378B.
[ ]
I understand that twice during the semester I must meet with my mentor teacher for a performance
review. I understand that I must schedule my performance reviews with my supervisor well in advance,
and give him/her the paperwork in advance.
[ ]
I understand that I must submit all paperwork and complete all assignments in order to pass this class.
[ ]
I understand that I cannot pass this class without meeting with the course instructor during the specified
times and I cannot miss more than one orientation/class meeting.
[ ]
I understand that this is a semester-long experience and I must work consistently throughout the entire
semester, and that the week of November 24 is the only week that I am not required to work at my site.
[ ]
.
[ ]
I understand that I must work a four-hour shift in my assigned classroom.
[ ]
I understand that while working at my assigned child development center, I will
1. use knowledge of child development to create the children’s learning environment.
2. support families.
3. observe and assess.
4. participate in activities that are developmentally appropriate.
5. participate in activities that reflect content knowledge in early childhood.
6. learn how technology is used in the classroom.
I understand that I must uphold the confidentiality and privacy of the children and their parents.
Student Name
Signature
Date