The Children's Trust - Quality Counts: Curriculum

Quality Counts: Curriculum

Programs should be implementing a comprehensive curriculum that guides a variety of age-appropriate learning activities.

A developmentally appropriate curriculum is a fundamental building block of a high quality program. The curriculum identifies program goals and provides guidance for teachers. Young children are active learners and need to be able to touch and physically interact with materials. Teachers select materials and activities carefully, and guide learning through a combination of discussion and questioning that stimulate children's thinking.

Monitoring your child's progress is important so teachers can make adjustments to best meet your child's unique learning needs. Teachers often compile samples of each child's art work, record the stories they tell and photograph children enjoying activities – to share with family members.

The Star level for Curriculum is determined by applying the following criteria:

1	2	3	4	5

Developmentally appropriate curriculum has been adopted for all age groups	Lead teachers have received minimum 6 hours/year training on implementation of the curriculum	All teaching staff employed 6 months or longer have received minimum 6 hours/year training on implementation of the curriculum	Developmentally appropriate curriculum is fully implemented A system is in place for ongoing child observations	Child assessment guides individualized program planning and communicating with families

Florida Early Learning Coalitions are directed by the state Office of Early Learning to establish lists of appropriate curricula and to establish a procedure for reviewing-approving other curricula. Click for Miami-Dade ELC's list of approved curriculum.