The Early Childhood Development Center at Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame (ECDC-SMC and ECDC-ND) involves college students as both practicum students and volunteers.

Practicum Students are typically students enrolled in a college course that requires involvement in an early care and education program serving young children. Practicum students from area colleges are scheduled weekly for a semester. The time commitment depends upon the college course requirements. Some practicum students spend 75 minutes per week in an ECDC classroom while other practicum students spend 20 hours per week.  All practicum students are required to read the Volunteer Handbook and to participate in required orientation as well as complete other requirements based upon the type of involvement and the quantity of time spent with ECDC.  Typically, the ECDC classroom lead teacher supervises and evaluates the practicum student.  Area colleges and universities that place practicum students with ECDC include Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, IUSB, Bethel, and IVY Tech.

Volunteers are Saint Mary's College and Notre Dame students who have an interest in children and their education. Often, the SMC and ND college students volunteering at ECDC are pursuing a child-related degree (e.g., education, psychology, sociology, social work, nursing, pre-med). Volunteers are required to commit 2 hours per week, are required to read the Volunteer Handbook and to participate in required volunteer orientation. The ECDC teachers supervise college student volunteers.

 
Volunteer or Practicum Scheduling ~

ECDC-ND: College students may call ECDC-ND 631-3344 or email Nikki Zavada at  nzavadaecdc@yahoo.com to schedule a volunteer time at ECDC-ND and to arrange for a volunteer orientation. ECDC-ND is located on the ND campus at the corner of  Bulla and Leahy across the street from the OHara Grace Graduate Residences.

ECDC-SMC: College students may call ECDC-SMC 284-4693 or email Kari Alford at kalford@saintmarys.edu to schedule a volunteer time at ECDC-SMC and to arrange for a volunteer orientation. ECDC-SMC is located on the SMC campus in Havican Hall.

Students that have volunteered are completed practicum work with ECDC are given priority in the hiring process for both school year and summer college student positions.  Please see the employment page for more information.

For more information contact: ECDC-SMC – 284-4693 or ECDC-ND – 631-3344

Documents

Practicum Information/Application for the Early Childhood Development Center
PDF doc.
Word doc.

Volunteer Information/Application for the Early Childhood Development Center
PDF doc.
Word doc.

Volunteer Availability Schedule
PDF doc.
Word doc.

Volunteer Handbook
PDF doc.

Practicum Students and Volunteers at the Early Childhood Development Center