I. The Exploration Phase
This is represented by your coursework and related fieldwork observations in the first cycle or semester of your graduate program in ECSE. In your second cycle or semester, you will begin to insert your first artifacts into your Developmental Portfolio. Accompanying each artifact should be a reflective statement, for example why this represented a particularly meaningful experience for you, what you learned, how this complements your previous work or experience, and any new interests or directions which may have developed from this project or assignment.
The three courses for which you MUST include at least Benchmark Artifacts and Reflections within this first learning phase are:
Benchmark Requirements
0820 ECS 600- Introduction to Inclusive Early Intervention.
Benchmark: Early Intervention Proposal Critique
0820 ECS 620- Introduction to Inclusive Preschool and Primary Early Childhood Special Education. Benchmark: Individualized Education Plan
0820 ECS 610- Developing and Maintaining Family Partnerships
Benchmark Assignment: Partnership Introduction Packet for Families
II. The Synthesis Phase starts when you have completed all your ECS 600-level courses and are beginning to take the ECS 700-level series. Within this phase, you are asked to refine your Professional Development Plan for your Developmental Portfolio, and to continue to add artifacts and reflections, referencing both the CEC standards and the Core Values. By the end of the Synthesis Phase, your Professional Portfolio should be essentially developed.
The Synthesis Phase includes the following courses and related Benchmark assignments which MUST be included in the Developmental Portfolio.
Benchmark Requirements
0820 ECS 710 - Curriculum, Methods and Teaming
Benchmark Assignment: Lesson Plan
0820 ECS 700 - Assessment, Evaluation and Child Progress Documentation
Benchmark Assignment: Individual Developmental Evaluation Report
0820 ECS 720 - Applied Behavioral Analysis and Positive Behavioral Support
Benchmark Assignment: Functional Behavioral Assessment Plan
III. The Reflective Practice Phase
This phase begins with your ECS 800-level courses (for Advanced Certificate Students, this will be Student Teaching/Practicum). In your first ECS 800-level course, you are asked to further refine your Individualized Professional Development Plan for your Developmental Portfolio. Throughout your ECS 800 course/s, you are asked to revise and refine your Professional Portfolio.
Benchmark Requirements
0820 ECS 800
Masters Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education
Benchmark Assignment: Small Grant Proposal
Student Teaching/Practica:
Any of the below Student Teaching or Practicum courses which might be required for your particular Program Of Study: 0820 ECS 840; 0820 ECS 850; 0820 ECS 860; 0820 ECS 870; 0820 ECS 880; 0820 ECS 890; 0820 ECS 891; 0820 ECS 892.
