UM Students
Undergraduate students maintain a noticeable presence at CYC as employees, pre-service classroom participants, and interns. Teachers display photos of these students and information about their work/placement schedules in the classrooms. All contribute in significant ways toward realizing the CYC’s mission and to the most effective functioning of each classroom.
Student Aides
These student employees provide assistance in our classrooms or front office in many ways. Classroom duties include interacting with the children throughout the day, both inside and outside, as well as helping with general housekeeping duties. Several aides provide assistance with general office tasks at the front desk. In order to meet State licensing and national accreditation staffing standards, initial priority for interviews for these positions may be given to students who are majoring in education/related fields.
Early Childhood Education Students
EDHD 220
The EDHD 220 course, “Exploring Teaching in Early Childhood Education”, is one of the prerequisite courses necessary for admission into the University’s Early Childhood Education program. Each semester, these students are placed in classrooms at CYC one morning each week for a practicum experience that enables them to both observe and participate in classroom activities. Throughout the semester , students complete assignments based upon their placement and reflect upon their experiences and predisposition to teach.
EDHD 222
The EDHD 222 course, “Literature in the Early Childhood Classroom”, an additional prerequisite for admission into the University’s Early Childhood Education program, introduces students to literature for young children. Meeting at CYC each week, this course affords undergraduate students the opportunity to observe the on-going use of literature in our classrooms and to interact with children at CYC. During the semester, EDHD 222 students team with children in the kindergarten classroom as “book buddies”. Course presentations and creative projects are often shared with children, making this class a real “laboratory” experience.
EDHD 419B
The EDHD 419B course, “Human Development and Learning in School Settings”, provides junior year early childhood majors enrolled in methods courses an opportunity to observe and participate at a more involved level than in the previous EDHD 220 course, with increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.
EDHD 432 Interns
The EDHD 432 course, “Student Teaching Pre/K-3”, is the final practicum experience leading to a degree in early childhood education. Student teachers, or “interns”, spend two semesters in a CYC classroom (part time in the fall, full time in the spring) under the close mentorship of a CYC classroom teacher as well as a department supervisor. These students gradually assume full responsibility for the classroom, in preparation for their future role as teachers in early childhood classrooms.
Other Students at CYC
Family Science Interns
FMSC 477 “Internship and Analysis in Family Science” students have chosen to complete their 120 hour internship (required for graduation) at CYC. They have identified ways in which a CYC placement can best help them integrate the theories and practices of their discipline with their future career objectives. Their duties can include interacting with children, supervising small groups of children, as well as working on special projects that enable them to accomplish personal goals. This is a semester-long placement.
Special Education Interns
EDSP 421, “Field Placement III”, enables fourth year early childhood majors the opportunity to observe and participate in a classroom of mostly typically developing children three mornings each week during the fall semester. They are mentored by a CYC teacher as well as a department supervisor. Responsibilities include planning and carrying out lessons.
Student Employment Opportunities
Scheduling Observations for Class Assignments
Your instructor will make arrangements with the center and let you know the dates and times available. Call the front desk at 301-405-3168 to make your reservations within those dates and times. Please fill out observation paperwork in advance of your visit.
Information for Instructors
To arrange for your students to observe at the Center for Young Children contact Jennifer Haislip at 301-405-3168 or e-mail her at prior to the start of the semester. Every student who observes must complete the observation form listed under "Scheduling Observations for Class Assignments" on this page.