Notes on HighScope Infant-Toddler Curriculum

Introduction to the HighScope Infant-Toddler Curriculum

  • The HighScope Curriculum is based on two central principles:

    • Children build their understanding of the world through active involvement with people, materials, and ideas.

    • Adults facilitate this understanding by supporting children in their explorations.

Historical Context

  • Background:

    • HighScope Curriculum has been practiced since the 1960s, originally focusing on preschool children (ages 3-4) (Epstein, 2014; Hohmann et al., 2008).

    • Efforts for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) began in the same period but gained more focus in the 1990s due to rising questions about supporting active learning in this age group.

    • The first edition of "Tender Care and Early Learning" was published in 2000, summarizing knowledge at that time and setting the foundation for further developments in the field.

Evolving Knowledge

  • Research Advancement:

    • Advances in brain research support the vital role of early experiences in development.

    • Program evaluations reveal the significance of quality care on social-emotional growth and intellectual development.

  • Training and Resources:

    • HighScope has contributed to the evolution of infant-toddler education through training, resource publications, and the development of validated assessment tools.

Principles Guiding the Curriculum

  • The HighScope Infant-Toddler Wheel of Learning includes:

    • Active learning environments.

    • Warm adult-child interactions.

    • Child-oriented learning spaces.

    • Flexible schedules and routines.

    • Daily observation to inform interactions and program planning.

    • Ongoing assessment of child progress and program effectiveness.

Active Learning

  • Definition:

    • Infants and toddlers are recognized as active learners from birth, exploring their world through interaction with caregivers and various materials.

  • Social-Emotional Development:

    • Development of self-awareness and relationships leads to problem solving during play, socialization, and emotional security.

    • Adults support this through consistent and nurturing interactions.

Physical Development

  • Movement:

    • Physical exploration is key; children find joy in moving and manipulating objects, which contributes to both physical health and cognitive understanding.

  • Healthy Practices:

    • Children learn skills for movement and exploration in a safe and engaging environment, fostering their confidence and willingness to explore.

Communication, Language, and Literacy

  • Building Blocks:

    • Communication develops through interactions, songs, and stories:

    • Listening to language promotes phonological awareness, a predictor of literacy success.

    • Shared attention and verbal exchanges enhance vocabulary.

Cognitive Development

  • Exploration and Discovery:

    • Infants and toddlers explore objects and develop cognitive abilities like problem solving, understanding cause and effect, and recognizing quantity.

  • Mathematics and Spatial Awareness:

    • Early mathematical knowledge forms during explorative play, with children discovering spatial relationships through activities involving movement and manipulation.

Creative Arts

  • Definition:

    • Engaging with various materials through art, music, and play facilitates creativity and allows children to express their understanding of the world.

  • Representation:

    • Children begin to internalize experiences and represent them creatively, paving the way for further developmental stages.

Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs)

  • Six areas frame KDIs, reflecting essential achievements in child development:

    1. Approaches to Learning:

    • Initiative, problem-solving, and self-help skills.

    1. Social and Emotional Development:

    • Understanding self, forming attachments, and building relationships (both adult and peer).

    1. Physical Development and Health:

    • Movement skills and health practices.

    1. Communication, Language, and Literacy:

    • Skills in listening, speaking, and nonverbal communication.

    1. Cognitive Development:

    • Knowledge of quantity, spatial understanding, and time concepts.

    1. Creative Arts:

    • Engagement in imaginative play and exploration of various art forms.

Summary of Active Learning Components

Five Ingredients of Active Learning:

  • Materials:

    • Diverse, sensory-rich materials are accessible to children.

  • Manipulation:

    • Children explore materials using their senses and whole body movements.

  • Choice:

    • Children make decisions on their activities and explorations freely.

  • Communication:

    • Children can express their needs and discoveries in various forms.

  • Adult Scaffolding:

    • Caregivers provide support, warmth, and encouragement, facilitating children's learning through trusting relationships.

Conclusion

  • The HighScope Infant-Toddler Curriculum is designed to nurture holistic development through active learning supported by warm interactions and structured environments, ultimately enabling children to thrive in their early years.

This guide has reviewed the key elements and foundational concepts of the HighScope Infant-Toddler Curriculum. It serves as a comprehensive tool for understanding how active exploration and supportive relationships create thriving educational experiences for very young children.