FIELD EXPERIENCE LOG: IFST 236
Students are required to submit 5 field experience logs for each placement.A total of 10 for the semester.The log entries must be made by midnight of the school day 48 following the placement.

PlacementsLog Entry Due at Midnight

MondayWednesday

TuesdayThursday

WednesdayFriday

ThursdayMonday

FridayTuesday

Log entries should be e-mailed to ifst236010-mail@udel

Additionally, print a hard copy of each entry and place each one in a notebook or folder.

If you are absent or miss a practicium placement you are expected to note that in your log, the reason for the absence should be given as well as the person notified and the arrangements you have made to make up the placement.Continue the log assignments in order.When you go to the practicium you will do the next assignment on the list.

Field Experience Log Format

Each entry should begin with the following:

·Your name (Jane Doe)

·Log Entry Number (Log number 2)

·Age range of children 

·Your placement schedule including the date, time, and duration of your visit. (10/25/99, 8 - 11 a.m.)If you did not go at the regularly scheduled time note this.

·List the first names and ages (in years and months) of all the children present (First names only should be used to ensure confidentiality of the information included in your log.Never use last names of children you observe or with whom you work.)Note significant absences.

·List the names and positions of the staff present during your visit including support people who may come for only a portion of the day (Tammy Tuesday, teacher; Wendy Wednesday, occupational therapist).Note significant absences.

·Daily schedule of classroom activities that take place during your visit (be sure to include set-up anc clean up time.)

Log Assignments

LOG #1

The goal for this week is primarily observation, finding out about early care and education settings for infants and toddlers, and choosing one infant or toddler to focus on.

Before going to your placement.

·Know the director’s name, the phone number, the directions, and how long it will take you to get there.
·Be there on time.They will be expecting you and the security that many centers have will not let you in if you come at a different time.
·Have proof of your PPD.
·Read the ECDE and UCTE Guidelines for Field Experiences.

1.General description of the placement

·Name of the school or program (Delaware First, Newark), the name of the principal or director (Sally Sunday)and the telephone number.

·Your placement designation (2-year-olds) and the name of your cooperating teacher (Molly Monday) and her telephone number. 

·General daily schedule of the classroom 

·Schedule while you are there

·Brief description of the infant or toddler you chose as your “target” child and what about that child appealed to you.(Note: Check with the caregivers to see if this child is here most of the time when you will be here.)

2.Reflections on the day.

Tell me about your day.How did you feel when you anticipated going?When you got there?How did the children respond to you?How did the adults respond to you?What did you feel good about?What would you change if you could do the day over?Do you have any questions or problems?Be specific and give details.(Please don’t just say that you had a “good” day or that you had fun.)

Here are some questions to help you focus on the experience.

·Discuss the experiences you have had working with children.Describe the settings, the length of time you worked, the ages of the children and your responsibilities.Describe how this experience is similar and different to your current placement.

·Discuss the qualities that you feel define an excellent parent of infants or toddlers (depending on your placement).

·Discuss your personal strength in working with infants and toddlers.What personality traits or skills do you possess that you feel will be an asset in working with very young children.

·Describe the areas where you want to grow the most during this semester relative to your knowledge about and skills in working with infants and toddlers.

·When thinking about the practicium what are you most excited about?

·When thinking about the practicium what are you most worried about?

3.Goal setting.

After reflecting on your placement experience set one goal that you plan to work on the next time you attend your placement and what you will do to help yourself reach that goal.

Before leaving your placement

Be sure that you have all the information you need for your journal and that you confirm your next session.

Note: If you have special concerns, questions, or problems, be sure to include them in your log and/or stop by and discuss them with me.