Preschool Curriculum

Curriculum

What is important in a Preschool Curriculum?  At Kangaroo Kids Child Care & Learning Center we believe that if children enjoy the process of learning it has lifelong benefits!  The preschool age is such an important window of opportunity in the learning process so make sure your child is in a program that values education and presents the material in a developmentally appropriate manner. 

1. Curriculum should be stimulating, creative and developmentally appropriate so children are challenged but not frustrated.
2. Curriculum should be individualized.  Children have different learning styles and the program should be designed to meet the needs of each individual.
3. There should be a variety of hands on experiences.  Children learn by doing.
4. Development of the total child should be taken into account.  All the domains of learning should be covered in the curriculum:  intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
5. What constitutes Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum (DAP)?
• Age appropriate activities
• Hands on learning
• Many opportunities for sensory experiences
• Child-directed activities where children have choice.
6. You should see evidence of planning, including a written educational philosophy, curriculum, and lesson plans.
7.  You should see evidence of multicultural aspects to the curriculum.
8. Outdoor play is crucial for a child’s development and there should be time spent outside every day.
9. There should be an assessment system in place where portfolios are kept on each child documenting their learning and developmental milestones. 
10. Artwork should allow children to express individual flair as opposed to a cookie cutter project where each one is identical.
11. You should see children enjoying the process of learning.