A

C.D.A.

PRACTICUM

GUIDE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Observations:

1.       Your Advisor will notify you of your first observation date.

2.       You will be observed on a minimum of three separate dates.  Observation dates will be at least three weeks apart.

3.       A typical observation day:

-          Advisor arrives before the children

-          While observing, the Advisor will stay out of your way, disrupting the class as little as possible.

-          Expect the Advisor to write during the entire observation.  She is writing both positive and negative things about what she is observing.

-          Advisor will observe up to or through lunch time.

-          When Advisor has completed the observation, you will join her, outside of the classroom, to discuss what has been observed.

4.      The training that you receive on observation days is specifically tailored to meet your needs.  Your Advisor will help you through your training and will give you positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

5.          IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:

-          BE PREPARED!

-          You must be able to leave the classroom with your Advisor when observation is complete.

-          You must have an appropriate area to meet with your Advisor where you will not be disturbed.

-          Do not cancel an observation date unless you must!  If you need to cancel, you must immediately notify your Advisor.  This includes canceling for some personal reason, and also if school is cancelled for any number or reasons.

-          You will receive a copy of your observation.  On your copy, and during discussion time, you will be notified of suggestions for improvements and/or assignments to be completed before your next observation.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FULFILL THESE ASSIGNMENTS!  Your Advisor is trained to pace you through this process.  Falling behind will cause you a great deal of difficulty.

 

 

The Professional Resource File:

1.       The Professional Resource File is completed by the CDA Candidate during the course of CDA training.

2.       The Professional Resource File contains:

1.      An Autobiography*

    -  A 250-300 word statement about yourself

2.      Statements of Competence*

    -  In each of the 13 CDA functional areas, you will describe the things you do with children and families.

3.      Resource Collection*

    -  You will collect 17 specific items from your community.

  3.          Assignments concerning your Professional Resource File will be given by your Advisor.

  4.          IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:

            -          The Professional Resource File is presented on ;your Verification Day to the CDA Representative.  It is an important part of the materials     that will reflect on the abilities as a preschool teacher.

-          Neatness Counts!

-          The file must be complete.  All items required must be present.  

*** Further and more detailed information concerning the Professional Resource File can be found on pages 14-18 in the green CDA booklet found in your packet.

 

  Parent Option Questionnaires:

1.       You will be responsible for distributing and collecting a parent opinion questionnaire from each child’s family in your classroom.

2.          Suggestions for distribution and collection:

-          Write a list of parent or guardian names of the children in your classroom.

-          Number the list.

-          Place a copy of the questionnaire in an envelope (one for each family).

-          Number the envelopes.

-          Ask family members to return the questionnaire sealed, in the envelope you have provided.

-          Cross the number off your list as the envelopes are returned.

-          If you do not receive 100% of your questionnaires, consult your numbered list to see who has not returned their questionnaire.

-          Your goal is to collect at least 75% of the questionnaires (example:  20 children, you need to collect at least 15 questionnaires.

-          The questionnaires must remain sealed.  You are not permitted to open them.

-          As you collect the questionnaires, place them in a large envelope. Seal the envelope when all questionnaires have been returned.

-          The outside of the envelope should be labeled as follows: 

           ________  distributed

           ________  collected

   

  Study Days:

1.       You will attend five study days, along with other CDA Candidates in your program.

2.       The purpose of the study days is to give each Candidate additional help in prepare for completing CDA requirements.  

3.       You will receive help where needed.

          Examples:

                     Preparing for the Early Childhood Studies Review

                                       And

                    Preparing for the Oral Interview

A Checklist To Get Your Started:

 

Order a CDA packet

 

Purchase two large, ring binder notebooks

 

Purchase two sets of index tabs for the ring binders

Safety           

 

Discuss playground safety rules with the children

 

Discuss classroom safety rules with the children

 

Label exits with words and symbols

Healthy

 

Laminate and post hand washing, tooth brushing, toileting charts

 

Label each toothbrush (handle and cover)

 

Role model good tooth brushing habits

 

Discuss daily menu with children

Learning Environment:

 

Label all learning centers with words and pictures

Include:  Volunteer suggestions and learning center objectives

 

Limit all the learning centers

 

Make and use a fairness chart

Physical

 

Involvement children I large and small muscle activities everyday

 

Post a list of activities that can be played indoors when weather prohibits outside play

Cognitive

 

Discuss the weather with the children

 

Set up Science center with hand-on activities, experiments, etc.

 

Do Science activities with small groups

Communication

 

Use songs and fingerplays daily

 

Use puppets and flannel boards

 

Provide writing materials

Creative

 

Set up the easel everyday

 

Provide children with a wide variety of materials to choose from

 

Only offer creative art during Free Choice

Self

 

Devise a helpers system and let the children choose their jobs

 

Discuss daily attendance.  Make an attendance chart.

 

Promote positive self concepts – be aware of your attitude and tone of voice.  Praise often.  Show respect, love, hugs, smiles, etc.

Social

 

Expose children to diverse cultures everyday through stories, songs, fingerplays, foods, dress-up clothes

 

Role model positive social skills

Guidance

 

Use positive guidance techniques (positive reinforcement, positive directive, redirection, etc.)

Families

 

Post a list of suggestions for volunteers to help enhance learning in each of the learning centers

 

Develop a parent bulletin board and include:

  1. Food Guide Pyramid
  2. Immunization Schedule
  3. Calendar of Current Events
  4. Recent Newsletter
  5. Pamphlets, Articles, and Brochures
  6. Suggestions Box
  7. Daily Schedule
  8. Resource and Referral Agencies and Phone Numbers
  9. KY Regional Poison Center:  Poison Checklist

 

 Program Management:

 

Make lesson plan available

 

Be prepared

 

Plan and develop a weekly theme through activities and materials

  Professionalism  

 

Have a positive attitude!

 

Complete assignments

 

Be a positive role model!

 

Be a cooperative co-worker

 

Definition of a CDA:

The Child Development Association, or CDA, is a person who is able to meet the specific needs of children and who, with parents and other adults, works to nurture children’s physical, developmental framework.

The CDA Credential is awarded to child care providers who have demonstrated their skill in working with young children and their families by successfully completing the CDA assessment process.