The Top Options for an Early Childhood Curriculum

There’s no perfect science when it comes to developing the perfect early childhood curriculum. Every child learns a little differently and parents believe in different types of learning philosophies. As a teacher, compromise is often the best solution, both inside and outside of the classroom. We’ve put together some of the top picks so that, when it comes to finding an early childhood curriculum, you can either go with your favorite or mix and match various aspects of different learning philosophies.

Montessori

The Montessori program offers a popular early childhood curriculum. The Montessori way of thinking stems from the early 1900s and focuses on the connection between animals, humans, plants and basically any living things. Kids use this connection, along with different cultures, to enhance their learning and stimulate their creativity. Each child learns at his or her own pace and teachers are encouraged to embrace this idea, following the pace that each child sets.

Bank Street

The Bank Street approach to learning focuses on the assumption that children are active learners. It embraces kids as explorers, navigating their own environment and learning from each and every thing they encounter. Playtime and toys are meant to inspire imagination and imaginative play. It requires a little less structure than many other early childhood curriculums.

HighScope

The HighScope approach focuses on something that they call shared control. This means that both children and teachers learn together. Each child is encouraged to follow his or her own interests in order to make learning more fun. The curriculum is highly individual and independence-focused.

Waldorf

The Waldorf approach, much like the Montessori program, began in the early 1900s. It works to enrich the spirit, soul and body of each child. Creativity is highly encouraged and screen time is generally frowned upon. There’s also a large focus on group interaction and activities in the Waldorf programs.

Sources:

-“The top preschool programs and how they differ” Baby Center: http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-top-preschool-programs-and-how-they-differ_64635.bc

-“How to Choose the Best Preschool Curriculum” wikiHow: http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Best-Preschool-Curriculum

-Top-rated programs, Early Childhood Education: http://www.bestevidence.org/early/early_child_ed/top.htm