PSYS 3455 A (CRN: 92185)
Psychological Science: SL:Adv Fit Kids: Early Learnng (A)
4 credit hours
About PSYS 3455 A
Building on the introductory Fit Kids courses, students engage in advanced service learning and develop leadership skills by applying reflective supervision practices while guiding a team of peers in implementing a preschool physical activity program in local classrooms. Students explore how systemic factors shape children's early brain development and learning, and investigate the role of physical activity in supporting school readiness. Prerequisites: PSYS 3450 or PSYS 3520; Instructor permission.
Notes
Prereqs enforced by the system: PSYS 3450 or PSYS 3520; Instructor permission required PACE students by permission and override.
Section URL
The Brightspace site for this course will include all course resources.
Section Description
Advanced Fit Kids: Early Learning is a sequel to the introductory Fit Kids service-learning courses. This 4-credit course was developed to address priorities identified by our partner classrooms related to promoting early childhood physical activity and school readiness. Students will develop leadership skills by guiding a team of peers as they implement the Kiddie CATs on the Move physical activity program and volunteer in preschool classrooms. In their leadership role, students support their team in applying evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed strategies to promote preschoolers’ social-emotional development. Drawing on themes from Parent Nation: Unlocking Every Child’s Potential, Fulfilling Society’s Promise (Suskind, 2022), the course uses a system-level lens to examine disparities in early childhood health and school readiness and explores the role of physical activity in promoting positive developmental outcomes.
Section Expectation
Students will attend one 75-minute, seminar-style class per week on Tuesdays from 4:30–5:45 p.m. In addition, each student must complete six hours per week supervising peers, implementing the physical activity program, and volunteering at local preschool sites during pre-assigned laboratory times. A mandatory training session will be held on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and attendance is required.
Evaluation
Evaluation is based on:
1. Engagement and leadership in all aspects of the course, including training, class meetings, and service at your assigned preschool site.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead peers in implementing the physical activity intervention and applying evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies to support young children's social-emotional development.
3. Regularly providing constructive feedback to your service team regarding their service engagement.
4. Demonstrated competency in critical reflection through goal development, implementation journals, and self-evaluation assignments.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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Resources
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