Psychological Science: SL:Fit Kids: Early Learn Focus (A)

About PSYS 3450 A

Engages students in service learning through the implementation of a preschool physical activity program in local classrooms. Students develop skills to apply evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches to support young children's social-emotional development. Links between physical activity and early learning are examined through a developmental lens, with attention to how social and structural factors shape school readiness and educational equity. Prerequisites: PSYS 1400, EDSP 1050, or EDEC 1010; Instructor permission.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: PSYS 1400 or EDSP 1050 or EDEC 1010; Instructor permission required PACE students by permission and override.

Section URL

The Brightspace site for this course will include all course resources.

Section Description

What is Fit Kids: Early Learning Focus (PSYS 3450)?
● Fit Kids Applied Research is a 4-credit service-learning course that centers around a physical activity intervention administered as part of an applied research program. This course has been developed to address priorities identified by our partner classrooms related to promoting early childhood physical activity, school readiness, and social-emotional development.

What Will You Learn and Do?
• You will become a trained facilitator of the Kiddie CATs on the Move physical activity program (https://www.uvm.edu/catsmove).
• You will develop skills to apply evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies for supporting young children's social-emotional development while volunteering in preschool classrooms and administering the Kiddie CATs program.
• You will learn about research investigating the effects of physical activity on early childhood development and connect this knowledge to your experiences in a preschool classroom.
• You will learn how systems of oppression impact early childhood development and reflect on your own assumptions (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs) as you work with diverse children in a preschool setting.

Section Expectation

Fit Kids: Early Learning Focus is a 4-credit service-learning course that centers around a physical activity intervention administered as part of an applied research program. This course has been developed to address priorities identified by our partner classrooms related to promoting early childhood physical activity and school readiness. Students will apply evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed strategies for supporting preschoolers’ social-emotional development while implementing the Kiddie CATs on the Move physical activity intervention and volunteering in preschool classrooms. Together, we will also examine how systems of oppression shape early childhood development and explore how physical activity can serve as a tool to advance equity in school readiness and health.

Students will attend a weekly 75-minute lecture on Wednesdays from 3:30–4:45 p.m. Additionally, they must complete six hours per week implementing the physical activity program and volunteering at local preschool sites during pre-assigned laboratory times. Attendance at a mandatory training on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is required.

Evaluation

Evaluation is based on:
1. Engagement in all aspects of the course, including training, class meetings, and service at your assigned preschool site.
2. Demonstrated ability to implement the physical activity intervention and apply evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies to support young children's social-emotional development.
3. Development of critical reflection skills and demonstration of these skills through activities such as goal development and progress tracking, a critical reflection essay project, and self-evaluation assignments.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks