This course is the practicum companion to EDSP 558 DHH:Early Childhood Curricula.

This practicum develops the candidate's standard-based knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to educational theories in creating learning environments that best meet the needs of preschool children, 3 to 5 yeas of age, including children with hearing loss.  Candidates are responsible for creating and implementing early childhood curricular standards in the practicum setting based on the Reggio Emilia model of preschool education.  Candidates meet for seminar classes associated with the practicum.

The focus of the practicum experience is on curriculum, and instructional planning and delivery that addresses the individual needs of students who are deaf and hard of hearing in early childhood settings.  Theory, practice and research are integrated into activities designed to provide education specialists with multiple strategies for working with students, parents, paraeducators  and ancillary professionals in early childhood settings.  This course stresses the implementation of individual educational plans (IEPs).

A seminar class is required as part of the practicum experience, to help the candidate prepare lesson plans, activities and implementaiton of the practicum.