Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/nurturing-the-future-implementing-internships-in-child-care-programs/5016276/
When students graduate with Early Childhood degrees, they enter the field with a great deal of knowledge. What they lack many times is practical experience. Too often, enthusiastic newcomers are disillusioned by their first experiences due to unrealistic expectations of child care or their own abilities. Knowing child theory is a wonderful thing but having the skill of handling an irrate parent is essential!One way that child care programs can help prepare future professionals in the field is to offer opportunities for the student to gain real life experience in a program. This is where internships are indispensable. An internship will help a novice develop their skills under the watchful eye of a more seasoned mentor. With internships, not only is the program getting an extra pair of hands, but it is also collaborating with area colleges to strengthen the field with qualified professionals.
Directors should be aware that taking on an intern is a responsibility that requires effort. A program should never start thinking about the internship on the day the student arrives. Preparations are necessary to ensure a quality experience for the student and to eliminate potential problems that may arise.
Planning
The difference between a successful internship and an ineffective one ...