Child, Youth, and Family Studies, Department of
Date of this Version
2020
Citation
Schachter, R. E., Piasta, S. B., & Justice, L. (2020). Choosing quality early childhood curricula. NHSA Dialog: Research to Practice, 23(2), 95-101. https://journals.uncc.edu/dialog/article/view/1168
Abstract
This article summarizes a study investigating the curricula and features of those curricula used by 497 early childhood educators across one Midwestern state. Curricula were identified and coded for quality features derived from the research, theory, and policy literatures. Results indicated that most educators utilized Creative Curriculum or High Scope (over 60%); however, these and many other curricula did not include all the key quality features. Importantly, most educators were utilizing curricula with no evidence of effectiveness for supporting children’s outcomes. Furthermore, limitations in the presence of key curricula features may indicate that curricula generally are not adequately supporting early childhood educators. We conclude with a series of questions for educators and programs to consider when selecting their curriculum.
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Sociology Commons
Comments
Creative Commons Attribution License