Field-based practicum for preservice teachers seeking initial licensure. Students develop skills in fostering positive professional relationships with students, colleagues, and peers; designing and implementing individual, small group, and whole class instruction; and observing and reflecting on practice. This course meets the guidelines for state-approved teacher education programs in Virginia.

This course examines language as a complex and dynamic system for the purposes of thought and communication, with a focus on development occurring between birth and age eight. This course also examines how practitioners may guide and shape this pivotal developmental process, using theory and science to inform educational and clinical practices for measuring and fostering early childhood language development in positive ways.

Directed Research under supervision of faculty member.

Under close faculty guidance, students work on an area of interest not covered by the curriculum. A plan of study must be signed by the faculty sponsor and filed in the student's permanent file in the Office of Student Affairs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.