Volunteer InternAt — Telstar Montessori

Position Description
This internship takes place at a child care center that serves children and families from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. The organization’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment that fosters children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth. The program emphasizes positive relationships, ethical practice, and collaboration with families to support overall child well-being.
The practicum intern position is designed to provide hands-on experience in an early childhood or child development setting. Under the supervision of trained professionals, the intern will observe, assist, and gradually engage in direct interactions with children. The position supports the student’s academic learning by connecting developmental theory and coursework to real-world practice while building professional skills in communication, observation, and ethical decision-making.

Tasks
The intern will demonstrate their learning outcomes by engaging in the following activities:
• Observing classroom teachers and child care professionals to understand daily routines, behavior management strategies, and developmentally appropriate practices
• Assisting with daily classroom activities, including transitions, play-based learning, and structured group activities
• Supporting children’s social and emotional development through positive interactions and guided support
• Assisting with small group activities and classroom facilitation under direct supervision
• Providing individualized support to children as needed, such as helping with tasks, emotional regulation, or peer interactions
• Observing and documenting child behaviors and developmental milestones for learning and reflection purposes
• Applying child development theories and course concepts to real-life observations and interactions
• Maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards at all times
• Communicating effectively with supervisors and staff regarding observations, questions, and concerns

As the intern gains experience, responsibilities may gradually expand to include increased participation in activities and more direct engagement with children and families under supervision.

Training
The intern will receive structured training and supervision throughout the practicum experience. Training will begin with an orientation that includes an overview of the site’s mission, policies, daily routines, ethical guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and mandated reporting laws. Safety procedures and emergency protocols are included as part of the orientation.
Job shadowing is a key component of training, allowing the intern to observe experienced professionals working directly with children and families. The intern will learn through both observational learning and guided participation in classroom activities.
Supervision will be provided through regular one-on-one or small group meetings with the site supervisor, typically on a weekly basis or as required by CSUF practicum guidelines. During these meetings, the supervisor will provide feedback, discuss observations, address questions or concerns, and support the intern’s professional development. Ongoing verbal feedback and periodic evaluations will be used to assess progress and support skill development.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:
• Apply child development theories and academic knowledge to real-world child care settings
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with children, staff, and supervisors
• Use developmentally appropriate practices to support children’s social, emotional, and behavioral regulation
• Observe, document, and reflect on child behavior and developmental progress
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making, including confidentiality and mandated reporting responsibilities
• Develop classroom management and group facilitation skills appropriate for early childhood settings
• Exhibit professionalism, reliability, and reflective practice in a child care environment
Children Interaction
The student intern will not be left alone with children at any time during the internship. All interactions with children will take place under the supervision of qualified staff to ensure the safety and well-being of both the children and the intern