Curriculum & Assessments
Curriculums:
Creative Curriculum
Creative Curriculum is a research-based, comprehensive early childhood program that uses play-based, hands-on, and project-based investigations to build critical thinking, social-emotional, and academic skills. It focuses on the whole child across five key domains—literacy, mathematics, physical/health, social-emotional, and cognitive. Focuses on exploration and discovery rather than rote instruction.
https://teachingstrategies.com/product/the-creative-curriculum-for-preschool/
Creative Curriculum Resources
https://sites.google.com/lausd.net/eced-bty/independent-work-time
Second Step
Second Step focuses is a science-based, research-validated, classroom-based social skills program for preschool through junior high students (2 to 14 years old). It is proven to reduce aggressive behaviors and increase children's social-emotional competence and build character. Its designed to create safe, respectful, and engaging classroom environments that foster positive behavior.
Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)
Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) emphasizes understanding how children think and learn mathematics naturally, encouraging teachers to adapt their instruction accordingly. It promotes student-centered problem-solving and conceptual understanding, making math accessible and engaging for young learners.
https://www.heinemann.com/cgimath/
SEAL Dual Language
SEAL Dual Language programs aim to develop bilingualism and biliteracy while maintaining students' cultural identities. They integrate language development with academic content, supporting both English learners and native speakers in a dual-language setting. SEAL’s Dual Language Series offers hands-on, research-based professional learning for teachers and leaders in dual language programs. Each session delivers actionable, evidence-driven strategies that strengthen instruction, foster collaboration, and create joyful, language-rich classrooms where bilingual learners thrive.
Guiding Documents:
Foundations and Frameworks (PTKLF)
The Foundations and Frameworks establish standards and guiding principles for early childhood education, focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusive practices. They serve as a foundation for developing effective curricula and policies that support all learners. Preschool foundations and frameworks are guiding principles and standards that help ensure young children receive high-quality education and care. They outline what children should learn and be able to do at different ages, covering areas like social-emotional development, language, and early literacy. These frameworks also provide teachers and caregivers with a clear structure to support each child's growth, making sure learning is developmentally appropriate and inclusive. Ultimately, they serve as a roadmap to help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/psfoundations.asp
Assessments:
Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
Desired Results Developmental Profile, are assessment tools used to measure young children's growth and development across various areas such as social-emotional skills, language, and cognition. They help teachers and caregivers understand each child's progress and identify their strengths and areas where they may need more support. The assessments are developmentally appropriate and focus on capturing a child's abilities in real-life, everyday situations. Overall, DRDPs guide educators in planning personalized learning experiences that promote each child's overall development and readiness for kindergarten.
https://www.desiredresults.us/drdp-online
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
The ASQ is a screening tool used to monitor developmental milestones in young children from the parents' perspective, facilitating early identification of developmental delays. It provides valuable insights for planning targeted interventions. Screening is a quick check of your child’s development. Screening takes a snapshot of your child’s current skills and helps accurately identify children who may be at risk for delays.