This comprehensive book presents up-to-date research and "how tos" for those enrolled in an early childhood student teaching practicum course. It clearly explains a student teacher's professional duties and responsibilities, the mechanics of hands-on teaching under the guidance of a cooperating teacher, and students' interactions with their college course supervisor(s). Chapters are designed to encourage contemplative and reflective thought as students develop an understanding of professionally accepted practice, ethics, classroom management, and individualized and group program planning and instruction. Communication skills that typify effective team teaching and reduce common classroom problems during student teaching are described and detailed. Current practices related to special-needs children and infant-toddler classroom placement are addressed, as is the development of school-home partnerships that enhance children's life-long learning and educational success. Throughout, case studies and examples illustrate real-life situations and children that other student teachers have encountered