Innovations in Early Childhood Teacher Education: Reflections on Practice Fostering Reflection Through Challenging Practica

This article describes challenging practicum situations that provided three early childhood education students with leadership opportunities to promote best practices in child care centers. Using excerpts from student journals and meetings, the article documents students' initial discouragement at practices observed, inspiration through involvement at an exemplary preschool, encouragement as positive changes emerged, and personal growth through self-assessment and reflection.