How many practicum experiences must I have?
Students in the Wachovia Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program are required to complete two Practicum experiences: Practicum I (EDU 214)  and Practicum II EDU 284. Students in the Early Childhood Associate Specialization Certificate program are required to complete one practicum experience: Practicum I (EDU 214).

How is practicum different from other Early Childhood courses?
Unlike other Early Childhood courses, the practicum experience is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned thus far in the program. Practicum courses have 9 lab hours per week, during which students will work in early childhood classrooms. The instructor regularly visits the student’s practicum site(s) to observe and evaluate the student’s interactions with children according to the competencies of the course. Practicum students spend a full semester demonstrating their ability to apply concepts learned in other Early Childhood courses in actual settings with young children and under the supervision of a mentor teacher (the classroom teacher) and a faculty instructor.

What happens in the class hour of practicum? 
The class experience (one 50 minute meeting per week) is intended to provide students with opportunities to discuss their respective co-op experiences as well as issues related to those experiences. Students may be required complete various practicum related assignments.

How are practicum placement sites chosen?
The Early Childhood Co-op Coordinator, in cooperation with the Early Childhood faculty, selects various sites throughout the Charlotte region to serve as “placed sites.” To be considered, a site must have a minimum 3-star rating and/or NAEYC accreditation and teachers with, at minimum, AAS degrees in Early Childhood who can serve as mentor teachers. Every effort is made to locate high quality settings that are consistent with our program’s philosophy.

Can I complete practicum at my own center?
Maybe. Students’ employment situations are considered during the practicum placement process. Students who complete some of their practicum hours at their places of employment are referred to as “dual placed” practicum students.

Do I get paid for practicum?
Early Childhood students are not paid for their participation in practicum placed sites. Practicum experiences are a required aspect of the Wachovia Early Childhood AAS degree program and of the Early Childhood Associate Program Specialization Certificate. Four semester credits are awarded upon successful completion of practicum.

How will I be evaluated? 
Practicum students’ grades are determined on the basis of how well they achieve the competencies of the course. Practicum grades are determined and assigned by the faculty instructor.

Once I’ve registered for Practicum, how do I prepare for the experience?
Once the Practicum Coordinator has assigned/approved a student’s practicum site(s), the student should contact his/her mentor teacher to introduce him/herself. An initial pre-practicum visit to the placed site is recommended.  Students are required to make their first official practicum visits during the first week of the semester.