ELCC Workplace Practicum Policies, Requirements and Process

**Students: please print these documents and share with your Employer.

ELCC Workplace Practicum Policies, Requirements and Process

Workplace practicum is an option for students that are currently employed within the childcare field at the same organization for a minimum 3 months. “Workplace” practicum means students will count their paid hours in a licensed organization or program where they are employed for their practicum course requirements. They may also be required to work unpaid hours to meet the weekly hour requirement for the practicum, however they would not be in ratio. Some acceptable agencies or programs would include a childcare, pre-school, family day home agency, out of school care program, parent link, a program for children with diverse abilities, a nature program, or an early education program in a school.

ELCC 2282 This practicum is for first year ELCC students with a focus on building relationships, interacting with children, observation, documentation, reflection and beginning the planning process. Students are required to complete 16 hours/week during the registered semester on either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday during the winter term.

ELCC 2285 This practicum is for second year ELCC students with a greater focus on reflective practice, planning and pedagogical documentation. Students are required to complete 24 hours/week during the fall term.

For Workplace practicum placements, students will complete this application and require approval from the ELCC Field Director. A Mount Royal University practicum agreement is required of all practicum sites to which students are completing required practicum hours under supervision. Should the particular organization require a practicum agreement, this will be initiated by the Dean’s office of the Faculty of Health, Education and Community.

The 1st or 2nd year Practicums (ELCC 2282 or ELCC 2285) can be completed in a student’s current workplace if all requirements and criteria are met.

All prerequisites are met as indicated in the Academic Calendar
Received verbal approval from workplace supervisor to complete a workplace practicum
Workplace must provide a site mentor/coach other than the immediate employee supervisor
Final approval of your workplace practicum agency with ELCC Field Director
Ability to complete 16 hrs/week in Winter or 24 hrs/week in Fall
Must be able to attend weekly seminars
Placement must be primarily in direct interaction with children and early childhood educators.

Please refer to the BCST Practicum Manual for additional policies and procedures
Expectations for Employee’s Manager/Direct Supervisor
This is the person who directly supervises the student in their current role as an employee within the organization.

Agreeing to the responsibilities outlined in the BCST Practicum Manual and the hours necessary for the student to complete their practicum requirements.
Collaborating with the student, site mentor/coach, and faculty supervisor in any means necessary to meet practicum learning outcomes.

Expectations for the Site Mentor/Coach

Engaging in reflective pedagogical conversations regularly with the student about their observations. A site mentor will have access to the student’s observations and reflections on IPT.
Guiding, coaching, supporting and providing feedback to students on their interactions with children
Providing on-going communication with the MRU Bachelor of Child Studies Practicum Faculty Supervisor (instructor)
Contributing to the student midterm and final evaluation – providing evidence and examples of student’s practice and learning
Approving and monitoring student attendance records

Please refer to the BCST Practicum Manual for additional policies and procedures

Expectations for Students

Ensuring that the practicum does not interfere with employment requirements and that they have the ability to complete all required tasks for their job as well as all practicum hours within the semester
Ongoing communication with faculty supervisor, site mentor/coach, and direct manager.
Completing all course assignments, orientation, and seminars as scheduled
Adhering to all BCST practicum policies and expectations.
Students must attend the mandatory orientation as per their schedule of classes.

Please refer to the BCST Practicum Manual for additional policies and procedures

Expectations for Faculty Supervisors
This is the MRU faculty providing feedback to the student’s learning outcomes via IPT, weekly seminars and during the two visits (on-site or virtually).

Guiding and supporting students in their practice with children, observation skills, reflection, and curriculum planning
Providing on-going communication with the student, site mentor/coach, agency director, BCST practicum coordinator and ELCC field director
Contributing to the student midterm and final evaluation – providing evidence and examples of student’s demonstration of Practicum Evaluation Objectives
Approving and monitoring student attendance records

We are committed to building and maintaining positive partnerships in the community and appreciate organizations that are able to welcome our students. If you, your site mentor, and/or director have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the BCST Practicum Coordinator Angie Smith at asmith@mtroyal.ca or the BCST Field Director Therese Wiart Jenkinson twiart@mtroyal.ca

The student and employer acknowledge that the student will be committing to Workplace Practicum ELCC 2282 or Workplace Practicum ELCC 2285 with the approval of the practicum placement from the Bachelor of Child Studies program and ELCC Field Director.

If employment changes significantly between the student and their employer, the signing of this intention and the start of practicum, the student will contact the BCST Practicum Coordinator and the ELCC Field Director immediately.
The student will work within their employment agency a minimum of 16 hours per week (ELCC 2282) for Winter or 24 hours per week (ELCC 2285) for the Fall, to meet the practicum requirements.
Students should be advised that there are inherent risks in a workplace practicum. Should a student be terminated from their employment over the course of the practicum a grade of F or W (if applicable) in practicum will result. Please refer to the BCST Practicum Manual for additional processes.

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