Early Childhood Curriculum Resources

A boy and girl play with paint and sponges at a table This collection provides information about key features of early childhood curricula. All are identified in the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS). These include:

Research-Based Curriculum
Curriculum Scope and Sequence
Supporting Staff to Effectively Implement Curricula
Curriculum Alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)
Standardized Training Procedures and Curriculum Materials to Support Implementation

Review specific curriculum guidance for home-based programs:

Head Start Home-Based Curriculum Checklist: What Is Research-Based?
Head Start Home-Based Curriculum Selection Checklist

Education staff can use these resources to select and implement a curriculum in ways that meet the needs of the children and families they serve, as well as the HSPPS regulations. View the individual resources below or download the entire Early Childhood Curriculum Resources collection.

Young boy examining item with magnifying glass.

Research-Based Curriculum

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.

Caretakers sitting on floor blowing bubbles while toddler tries catching them.

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

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.

Staff member taking notes while seated at desk.

Supporting Staff to Effectively Implement Curricula

Programs must develop an effective system of training and professional development. It needs to support education staff in implementing their curriculum responsively, intentionally, and with fidelity.

Child examining multi-colored toy microscope.

Curriculum Alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)

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.

Caretaker has two young girls, one on each lap, as she reads them a book.

Standardized Training Procedures and Curriculum Materials to Support Implementation

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.

Home visitor showing a booklet to parents and child.

Head Start Home-Based Curriculum Checklist: What Is Research-Based?

Research-based curricula for the home-based program option is founded on solid research around parenting concepts, skills, and practices that promote healthy child development. Use this checklist to evaluate your home-based curriculum.

A child being held by his mother while stretching his hand out to touch the fingers of a staff member.

Head Start Home-Based Curriculum Selection Checklist

When your program is selecting a home-based curriculum, use this checklist to guide the decision-making process.

Curriculum

Curriculum