Students must be employed or volunteer in a licensed childcare facility to apply the knowledge acquired and skills learned in previous coursework. Observation of the student’s work and evaluation of student skills are conducted by instructors following the NAEYC Associate Standards. Students must demonstrate competency in all areas observed and complete a minimum number of clock hours, determined by the institution, of observation and work experience with children birth to five. An emphasis will be on the observation of physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development in connection with previous courses. If not currently working in a child care facility the student will be assigned a specific site to volunteer, observe and be observed by the early childhood instructor. The sites will be chosen by the instructor in relation to where the students live and the quality of the programs.