integrated curriculum quiz #1 study set (spring 2025)

• the importance is to make sure that the developmental needs of the child are being properly and adequately met

• they are used in curriculum & assessments

• they ensure consistency across the board for childcare programs

• cover skills and concepts that children develop from birth to kindergarten

• help children learn foundational skills for reading, math, self-control, and positive relationships

GO TO VIDEOS IN MOD

importance of Pa. Early Learning Standards

• represents the guidelines of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) w/each representing a crucial aspect of child development that should be equally and comprehensively considered

• 1. create a caring community of learners

• 2. teach to enhance development and learning

• 3. construct appropriate curriculum

• 4. assess children’s learning and development

• 5. establish reciprocal relationships with families

importance of Mariners Star

DAP

developmentally appropriate practice - used to identify a the range of appropriate behaviors, activities and materials for a specific age group

• this knowledge is used on conjunction with an understanding of each child in the classroom and his/her unique personalities, backgrounds, and abilities to design the most appropriate learning environment

4 areas of DAP

• 1. curriculum

• 2. adult interactions

• 3. relations between the home and program

• 4. developmental evaluation of children

supports development of relationships between adults and children, among children, among teachers, and between teachers and parents

1. create a caring community of learners …

early childhood teachers strive to achieve an optimal balance between children’s self-initiated learning and adult guidance or support

2. teach to enhance development and learning

the content of the early childhood curriculum is determined by many factors, including the subject matter of the disciplines, social or cultural values, parent input, and the age and experience of the learners

3. construct appropriate curriculum

assessment of the individual children’s development and learning is essential for planning and implementing appropriate curriculum

4. assess children’s learning and development

developmentally appropriate practices derive from deep knowledge of individual children and the context within which they develop and learn

• the younger the child, the more necessary it is for professionals to acquire this knowledge through relationships with children’s families

5. establish reciprocal relationships with familie

a quality ranking system in PA that signifies the quality within an early childhood ed program

• allowing parents to easily identify and choose programs that meet higher standards for their children's learning and development, while also encouraging providers to continuously improve their practices through a system of evaluation and recognition

  • quality indicator: The "stars" represent a rating system where more stars indicate a higher quality program based on specific standards related to staff qualifications, curriculum, environment, and interactions with children

  • parent choice: Parents can use the Keystone STARS rating to compare programs and select one that best aligns with their expectations for their child's learning environment

  • continuous improvement: The system encourages early childhood programs to continually strive for higher quality by providing feedback and support for improvement through the process of self-evaluation and professional development

  • state-run program: Keystone STARS is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

importance of Keystone stars

it is important to choose curriculum that is anti-biased

• some biases to consider …

  • cultural

  • gender

• celebrate “ME”

• must cultivate fairness

  • equity (most successful means for all) vs. equality (same for all)

• cultivate a sense of community

  • working together

• addressing conflicts

  • be sensitive and objective

planning for infants and toddlers …

• responsive relationships between children, parents, and families

• have a routine

• provide exploration

• use play to enhance learning

• include and inform families as much as possible

environment & curriculum …

• should support child-directed practices

• should support spontaneous exploration and curiosity

• should support the creation and maintenance of positive relationships between adults and children

• should match the needs of each child

• should know each child well

• be safe and appropriate for the age group

curriculum and environment considerations when planning for infants and toddlers

good for developing …

• social skills

• skills to resolve conflict

• creativity

• problem solving skills

• resilience

• memory

• language

• regulation

what play does …

• encourages physical movement

• encourages them to use their imaginations

• provides an escape

• enhances their learning and retention

• provides a break for them

• good for expressing their behavior and emotions so that when class time comes they are on what they need to do and do not become a behavior problem or have difficulty paying attention

the importance of play and playful learning

important bc it helps children develop skills that are essential for future success

• brain development

• school readiness

• social and emotional skills

• regulation

• self-help skills

• physical health

why early childhood education is important

provides guidance on education through research, standards, and resources

• guidance …

  • early learning practices: NAEYC provides guidelines for creating caring communities, planning curriculum, and assessing children's development

  • program standards: NAEYC's program standards cover topics such as relationships, curriculum, teaching, health, and staff preparation

  • accreditation: NAEYC's accreditation process helps ensure that early learning programs meet high standards

  • research: NAEYC provides research-based tips for families on topics such as child development, reading, writing, music, and math

  • professional standards: NAEYC sets professional standards and competencies for early childhood educators

  • code of conduct: NAEYC's code of conduct outlines ethical guidelines for early childhood educators

• mission …

  • NAEYC's mission is to promote high-quality early learning for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC's core values include integrity, respect, trust, care, and commitment

• benefits of NAEYC accreditation …

  • NAEYC accreditation can help schools improve their learning environments and provide families with confidence in their child's education

NAEYC and its foundational guidance they provide