Practicum TeacherAt — Catalyst Family Inc.

The Practicum Teacher will participate in an academic internship at Catalyst Kids as part of her educational preparation at California State University, Fullerton. Under the guidance and supervision of the classroom teaching team and site leadership, the practicum teacher will gain hands-on experience in early childhood education while supporting the learning, development, and well-being of young children.

Tasks: 

• Observe and analyze children's developmental needs, interests, interactions, and learning behaviors to inform classroom planning and teaching practices.
• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences aligned with children's developmental levels and learning goals.
• Lead or co-lead small-group and individual learning experiences under the guidance of the supervising teacher.
• Implement intentional teaching strategies that support children's language, cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development.
• Support the design and organization of learning centers and classroom environments that encourage exploration, independence, problem-solving, and engagement.
• Use positive guidance and social-emotional strategies to support children's self-regulation, peer interactions, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Practice effective classroom management strategies, including supporting transitions, establishing expectations, and promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Conduct structured observations of children's learning and development and contribute to documentation and assessment activities appropriate to the practicum experience.
• Analyze observations and use information gathered to help adapt learning experiences to children's individual interests, strengths, and developmental needs.
• Participate in curriculum planning and reflection with the supervising teacher and connect classroom experiences to early childhood education theory and university coursework.
• Develop and facilitate age-appropriate activities and learning experiences with feedback from the supervising teacher.
• Communicate professionally with teachers and site leadership regarding classroom experiences, children's learning, instructional strategies, and professional growth.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and collaborative planning opportunities when appropriate.
• Reflect on teaching experiences, identify areas for professional growth, and incorporate supervisor feedback into future teaching practices.
• Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and compliance with Catalyst Kids policies and applicable health and safety requirements.

Training:

• Initial site orientation: The student will receive an orientation to Catalyst Kids, including program policies and procedures, classroom expectations, confidentiality, professional conduct, health and safety practices, emergency procedures, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Classroom orientation and job shadowing: The student will shadow experienced classroom teachers to learn daily routines, classroom organization, schedules, transitions, supervision practices, and developmentally appropriate interactions with children.
• Curriculum and instructional training: The student will receive guidance on developmentally appropriate and play-based teaching practices, lesson/activity planning, intentional teaching strategies, classroom environment design, and strategies for supporting children's individual learning needs.
• Observation and assessment training: The student will be guided in observing children's development and learning, documenting observations, and using classroom assessment information to support curriculum planning and individualized teaching strategies.
• Positive guidance and classroom management: The student will receive hands-on training in positive behavior guidance, social-emotional support, conflict resolution, communication strategies, and maintaining a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
• Weekly mentoring and feedback: The student will receive ongoing guidance from the supervising teacher and/or site leadership. Regular check-ins will be used to review classroom experiences, discuss questions, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional growth.
• Hands-on practice: As appropriate and under supervision, the student will gradually assume responsibility for assisting with classroom activities, small-group experiences, learning centers, transitions, and other instructional tasks connected to her academic learning outcomes.
• Professional development: The student will participate in relevant staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions available at the site when appropriate to the practicum experience.
• Reflection and evaluation: The student will be encouraged to reflect on her teaching experiences and connect classroom practice to her coursework at California State University, Fullerton. Supervising staff will provide ongoing feedback regarding professional skills, classroom interactions, instructional practices, and progress toward the learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply developmentally appropriate teaching practices to support the cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language, and creative development of young children.
2. Plan and implement engaging learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental needs, and individual learning goals.
3. Use effective classroom management and positive guidance strategies to promote a safe, inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
4. Observe, document, and reflect on children's learning and development using appropriate observation and assessment practices to inform instructional planning.
5.Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills when working with teachers, site leadership, families, and other early childhood education professionals.