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.
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.
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.
Find out how program leaders work with others to identify the most appropriate ways to meet the standards around curriculum fidelity.
Identify ways to put the Head Start Program Performance Standards on home-based curricula into practice.
Learn how music benefits children’s cognitive and social development. Hear strategies for enhancing this development through music.
Play is an important part of learning across the early childhood years. In this webinar, learn how play builds critical cognitive and behavioral skills across the birth to age 5 years. Find out what play looks like for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Not only is music enjoyable for infants and toddlers, but it can also provide a connection to home, opportunities to learn, and a way to connect with caring adults. Explore this useful information for teachers, home visitors, and parents about how music supports development across domains.
Programs must implement developmentally appropriate, research-based early childhood curricula that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
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.
Find out how music can support infants’ and toddlers’ learning in all domains. Learn how adults can adapt songs to fit children’s age and development.