Curriculum Information

     My family child care program provides a researched-based curriculum. What is a research-based curriculum? A research-based early childhood curriculum is supported by the latest findings in child development and education research. A research-based preschool curriculum consists of content-rich, domain-specific lessons that are developmentally appropriate.

• Content-rich: Research-based early childhood curricula give children background information that supports their understanding of concepts and deepens their learning experiences.

• Domain-specific: All of the lessons in a research-based early childhood curriculum are focused on a single domain of development.

• Developmentally appropriate: Research-based childhood curricula treat each child as an individual with unique cultural experiences that inform how they learn. Using a research-based curriculum helps you ensure your preschoolers learn concepts they will need to know in kindergarten. Research-based preschool curricula help children learn skills that are appropriate for their stage of cognitive development and promote teaching practices and learning experiences that have been proven to positively affect children's academic progress and development. 

     The lessons in a research-based preschool curriculum are guided by learning frameworks and teaching strategies that meet early childhood education standards. For example, Head Start programs use the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework to guide curriculum development and create lessons that align with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services standards for early learning.

     A developmentally-appropriate curriculum builds up each child’s skills and makes every child in your program feel valued by accounting for their unique personal and cultural identities. A developmentally-appropriate curriculum helps your children reach their potential by considering how each child's background, social and cultural contexts, and level of development may impact their learning experiences.

     The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends that teachers craft curricula that counter biases and foster a positive learning experience for every child. A developmentally appropriate curriculum presents children with "mirrors and windows"—opportunities to see themselves and their communities reflected in lessons and opportunities to learn about communities that may be unfamiliar to them.

     Experience Early Learning uniquely weaves 33 research-based skills into playful games and discovery projects.  The cross-disciplinary model supports a child's on-going social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive development.  Children construct knowledge as they play and explore.  Every activity and project integrates 2-3 skills from the following domains of learning:

• Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Language and Literacy
• Mathematics and Reasoning
• Social Studies
• Science
• Creative Development
• Second Language

     This curriculum applies child development theories and brain research to a unique model of teacher support, child experience, and family engagement.

• The view of the child - Every child is full of potential, naturally curious, and important to the community.
• The role of the teacher - The teacher is a learner alongside the child. As a researcher and guide, the teacher offers resources and support.
• The role of the environment - Children explore their environment to experiment with ideas, manipulate materials, and construct knowledge.
• The role of the family - Families are central to the intellectual and social growth of the child. Family culture and beliefs add beauty to the school community.