Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum What is it?
June 19th 2009 20:46
A term that is used a great deal in the early childhood id the "developmentally appropriate " curriculum. Most parents do not know what that means. The curriculum in a classroom for children under the age of five is all encompassing. Quite simply it is everything that happens from the moment thechildren walk in the door, from the room set up, the displays on the wall, the planned schedule and the activities that have been prepared. Today there are many commercially produced curriculums that can be purchased but it is my opinion that a complete curriculum can not be found in one box.
Developmentally appropriate simply means that the environment and the activities planned are done so with clear knowledge of skills and abilities of the age group that will be using the room. For babies there must be cribs for each child, rocking chairs, rattles and floor space to allow appropriate tummy time for the development of largemuscles. Toddlers need toys and equipment that will help them practice and perfect the skills and abilities that are natural and normal for their age. And so it goes with every age group. To work effectivelywith the children the teacher must have a clear understanding of what will challenge but not frustrate the children and plan her program accordingly.
One of myfavorite resources for infant/ toddler care is Zero to Three. They have a wonderful website www.zerotothree.org. with parent pages and resources for professionals.
It is important that parents understand what to expect from their children at each stage of their development. thenthey will be able to look at child care options and determine whether a program is developmentally appropriate or not.
Developmentally appropriate simply means that the environment and the activities planned are done so with clear knowledge of skills and abilities of the age group that will be using the room. For babies there must be cribs for each child, rocking chairs, rattles and floor space to allow appropriate tummy time for the development of largemuscles. Toddlers need toys and equipment that will help them practice and perfect the skills and abilities that are natural and normal for their age. And so it goes with every age group. To work effectivelywith the children the teacher must have a clear understanding of what will challenge but not frustrate the children and plan her program accordingly.
One of myfavorite resources for infant/ toddler care is Zero to Three. They have a wonderful website www.zerotothree.org. with parent pages and resources for professionals.
It is important that parents understand what to expect from their children at each stage of their development. thenthey will be able to look at child care options and determine whether a program is developmentally appropriate or not.
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