2. If you can’t hear me, please confirm that the volume on your speakers are on and if you have external speakers confirm that they are plugged in. If you can’t hear me, please try logging out and back in. This often fixes the problem. If this does not work – please call Tech Support at 1-866-522-7747

3. OUT!

4. Last week we dove straight into the field of early childhood development! We read about the countless services, which include programs for infants and toddlers, preschool programs, family childcare, childcare centers, kindergarten, and schooling for primary age children. We talked about the numerous positions that are available in this field. Does anyone have any thoughts, comments, or ah-ha moments that they would like to share? Jump in!

5. References must be in APA format. LINKS NEVER STAND ALONE . * NO!!  http://www.google.com/firefox?client=fire foxa&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official http://www.google.com/firefox?client=fire foxa&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official. * YES!! Happy, D.L. (2006). How to survive a nutty professor, Journal of Online Education, 8(4). Retrieved July 17, 2010 from http://www.google.com/firefox?client=fire fox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official http://www.google.com/firefox?client=fire fox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

6. So far in this class we have discussed many elements of early childhood development, especially the job market and career opportunities. In Unit 3, we will turn our eyes to the program and courses at Kaplan University to see how these connect with and specifically prepare you for a career as a child development professional. You will discuss the program outcomes, how they apply to the various classes and your study of early childhood development. You will also learn how to set realistic and meaningful educational and career goals so that you can achieve your career objectives!

7. After completing this unit, you should be able to:  Discuss the program outcomes as well as the required and elective courses for your Early Childhood Development Program  Apply S.M.A.R.T. goal setting to educational and career goals Course outcomes practiced in this unit:  CE100-2: Use a variety of personal management tools, strategies and university resources to enhance learning

8. Last week you read about a variety of career choices and now you will read about the courses that Kaplan University offers and will learn how our Early Childhood Development Program will prepare you for jobs that require these skills and traits. You will also learn how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and learn tips for taking notes.

9. Short-term goals are those that can be achieved in a relatively brief period of time-- 1 year or less. Intermediate-term goals can be achieved in 1-5 years. Long-term goals take at least 5+ years to accomplish. Tell us about your goals!  Pun Alert! Virtual Prize!

10. 10 Gold Coins

11. Whether you are planning long or short-term goals, you want every goal to be a SMART one: Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Timed. [S] Specific. Each goal should be a detailed statement of your desired result. Exactly what is it you wish to accomplish? It is difficult to determine action steps for vague goals and even harder to recognize when then have been achieved. [M] Measurable. Identify the means by which you will achieve each goal. How will you know when you have reached it? There are two types of goals - performance goals and outcome goals. Keep in mind that you will always have more control over performance than you will over outcome so set performance goals whenever possible. [A] Action-oriented. Describe your goals using action verbs. What will you do (step by step) to reach your goal? [R] Realistic. Choose goals that are possible and achievable. Who do you know who has achieved goals similar to yours? Goals set too high will discourage you while goals set too low won't challenge and motivate you. [T] Timed. Determine deadlines for each of your goals. Deadlines can be flexible and adjusted as needed but deadlines that specify time limits help keep you focused and moving. CHOOSE ONE OF YOUR GOALS AND DESCRIBE ONE S.M.A.R.T. ASPECT OF THE GOAL.

12. What are your academic goals? What are your professional goals?

13. Many incoming students bring transfer credits from other institutions of higher learning. Please know that Kaplan University must receive your official transcripts by the end of your first term. If they are not received on time, they will not be evaluated and you will not receive any credit for courses taken at another institution. Getting official transcripts sent in can take a while, so you will want to start this process as soon as possible. You will need to contact your other school(s) to have them send the official documents directly to Kaplan University. Talk to your advisor about this.

14. Students with prior experience or education can sit for challenge exams in an effort to earn credit for a particular course without actually having to take the course. There are a wide variety of courses available for challenge. If you want to consider any of these, please send your instructor an email and we will be more than happy to discuss this one on one with you. Can you think of a course for which you may be eligible to take a challenge exam?

15. Students will develop a portfolio that describes and organizes the learning they have acquired on the job, through volunteer work, travel, etc. Students will also examine what they already know, what they have college credit for, what their future goals are, and how all of these pieces fit together. Faculty will guide students through the process and provide feedback and assistance on each component of the portfolio. Students will collect all of their previously credited learning (college transcripts, standardized exams, pre-evaluated learning, etc.) and will articulate and organize learning not already credited. 5 Quarter Credit Hours Prerequisite: Previous success in one or more college course(s) EL 203 qualifies as an open elective on your degree plan. The academic advising team can provide specific information related to EL 203 and experiential learning credits, such as fees related to the application. You can reach an academic advisor by calling 866-522-7747.

16. SS216 - This course allows students to use their career skills and interests to become more engaged in the community. The course explores service and community engagement based on sociological theory. Analysis of topics includes volunteerism, philanthropy, grantsmanship, NGOs and service organizations, as well as faith- based organizations. The course includes opportunities to participate in direct service learning with the purpose of supporting students’ community and service interests.

17. If you have transfer credits, what do you need to do? Do you want to take Challenge Exams on any courses? Do you think you may qualify to take EL203?

18. What types of volunteer work do you do and should you take the Service Learning Course? In looking at career examples, what skills and abilities fall outside the early childhood development courses and what electives would be appropriate? What open electives are you interested in?

19. Thank you for joining me! It has been a pleasure to share with each of you. If you ever need anything… please let me know!

20. What did you learn in seminar tonight?