A Preschool Lab Practicum is a supervised, hands-on field experience in an early childhood education setting where students apply child development theory to real classroom practice. Under the guidance of a mentor teacher and college instructor, students gain experience in observing children, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, supporting learning environments, and reflecting on teaching practices aligned with early childhood education standards.

“CHDEV 55A [is] an experience that every potential ECE provider should partake in on their academic journey. Michelle and Bonnie provided real-life teaching experiences in conjunction with a phenomenal academic curriculum that required students to delve deep into their creative minds. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who has aspirations of being the type of teacher whose reputation will precede them.” — Phillip Hall

55A Lab Practicum

The 55A preschool laboratory is our culminating teaching course required for all Child Development majors. In 55A, you will work directly with children, under supervision, in a working preschool. This class is a fast-paced and exciting experience that will give you a feel for how to run your own classroom in a safe and structured environment. As a student teacher in the Lab Practicum, you will:

• Develop and implement activity plans for various learning centers.
• Practice tools and skills to facilitate children’s learning.
• Collaborate with fellow student teachers to practice objective observation to document children’s behavior and learning.
• Develop the skills to modify your teaching strategies based on observation.
• Gain proficiency in developmentally appropriate guidance and discipline methods.
• Lead circle time sessions and plan nutritious snacks for children.
• Become familiar with and demonstrate required health and safety procedures.

55C Advanced Lab Practicum

The elective 55C Advanced preschool laboratory class is a student-led experience, designed to deepen your understanding of a topic of your choosing. In 55C, you will implement a semester-long project based on your interests, guided by your instructor. Possible project topics include:

• Observation, Documentation, and Assessment: You will observe 1-2 children in the classroom over a longer period of time and create a parent-ready Documentation and Assessment portfolio showcasing the children’s learning.
• The Role of a Head Teacher: Supervision and Organization of a Classroom: You will experience a leadership role of head teacher. You will oversee an entire preschool program, supervising 55A student teachers and offering support and feedback, as well as overseeing and supporting the routines and schedule of the classroom.
• Emergent Curriculum in a Chosen Activity Area: You will teach an emergent curriculum unit in an activity area chosen by you and the instructor. You will be taught the project cycle and how to expand children’s learning in that area.
• Field Work in the Community: Working with the instructor, you will be sent out to one of our community partners to experience best practices in the field. This pathway allows you to connect with a coach in a high-quality preschool in the area, to offer a broader perspective on what Early Childhood Education can look like when it is treated with respect and care.

From your 55C experiences, you will perceive how the separate pieces of a developmentally appropriate program fit and function together. 55A is a prerequisite for 55C. They may not be taken concurrently.

Contact Information

Department Chair
Michelle St. Germaine
Building A | Room 106
mgermaine@peralta.edu
Office: (510) 436-2588
Google Voice:
(510) 936-0501

Staff Assistant/Professional Growth Advisor
Alice Chinn
會講國語
Building A | Room 109
merrittcollegechdev@gmail.com
(510) 545-2413‬

Dean of Division I: Liberal Arts, Social Science & Public Safety
Dr. Chriss Warren Foster
cfoster@peralta.edu
(510) 434-3897

Assistant to the Dean
Denise Woodward
dwoodward@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2425

Counselors

CE Counseling Office
Tanya Ilarde
Building S | Room 332
(510) 434-3938
MCCareerEd@peralta.edu

CE Counseling Office/CHDEV Counselor
Marlo Beall
Building S | Room 332
(510) 434-3938
MCCareerEd@peralta.edu