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A high-quality, research-based curriculum promotes measurable progress toward children’s development. The content and learning outcomes of the curriculum align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and state early care and education standards. It provides guidance on what (content) and how (learning experiences and teaching practices) to teach. Content is drawn from current child development science, the interests and ideas of the children, family input, and the values of the community. A curriculum also provides ways to create nurturing and responsive practices, interactions, and environments that foster trust and emotional security. It helps families to actively engage in their child’s education. Staff use what they know about each child's strengths and needs and each family's goals to plan their use of the curriculum.
This resource provides an overview of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) components. Learn how children ages birth to 5 engage with STEAM concepts and materials. Find out how adults can work with children to support learning and development in these areas. Also explore an interactive learning experience. It is intended to help supervisors, coordinators, managers, and education staff.
Learn how music benefits children’s cognitive and social development. Hear strategies for enhancing this development through music.
Identify ways to put the Head Start Program Performance Standards on home-based curricula into practice.
Find out how program leaders work with others to identify the most appropriate ways to meet the standards around curriculum fidelity.
Review key features of early childhood curricula, including scope, sequence, and implementation. Find tips and checklists to ensure alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
A research-based early childhood curriculum is in line with current studies and best practices on how children develop and learn. It is content-rich and focuses on domain-specific, developmentally appropriate content and skills.
An organized developmental scope and sequence outlines what the early childhood curriculum focuses on. It also shows how the plans and materials support children at different stages of development.
To implement a curriculum effectively, staff must understand how to use it responsively, intentionally, and with fidelity. Use this resource to implement curriculum in ways that meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Aligning a curriculum with the ELOF allows staff to see which and to what extent the ELOF domains and sub-domains are addressed in the curriculum.
Standardized training procedures offer initial and ongoing support to education staff as they learn to implement a curriculum with fidelity. Materials include resources that come with a curriculum to help education staff learn how to use it.
HeadStart.gov
official website of the Administration for Children and Families
