What are the sources of early childhood curriculum?

Sources:

• Math (birth - 33 months) Math is about a lot more than counting. ...
• Music & Dance (birth - 33 months) ...
• Playing (birth - 33 months) ...
• Reading (birth - 33 months) ...
• Science (birth - 33 months) ...
• Talking & Listening (birth - 33 months) ...
• Writing & Drawing (birth - 33 months)

Curricula in early childhood care and education address the role and importance of curricula in the education of young children and are the driving force behind any ECCE program. It is ‘an integral part of the engine that, together with the energy and motivation of staff, provides the momentum that makes programs live’.[1] It follows therefore that the quality of a program is greatly influenced by the quality of its curriculum. In early childhood, these may be programs for children or parents, including health and nutrition interventions and prenatal programs, as well as center-based programs for children.

There are many sources of ECE curriculum, based on a number of researchers. Most states have learning standards that guide ECE programs in the development of there programs curriculum. The curriculum should consist of experiences that will enable children to meet the standards that the state provides. Any curriculum should be based upon “NAEYC” best practice guidelines.

Early childhood curriculum—the care and instruction of young children outside of the home—has become a downward extension of schooling. It is now the first rung on the educational ladder. In many respects, however, this most recent addition to the pedagogical hierarchy is quite different from its elementary and secondary predecessors.

Grounded in Philosophy

The early childhood curriculum is the most holistic and least differentiated at any level of education. It is also the most solidly grounded in philosophy, in clearly articulated methodology, and in theory and research. Those who contributed to the discipline of early childhood education came from occupations and professions outside the academic domain. What they had in common was an understanding of children. And that is what makes early childhood education unique; it starts with the child and not with the subject matter. Education starts with the child and not with the subject matter.

The philosophical foundations of early childhood education were provided by John Amos Comenius, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau. Its curriculum and methodology were created by the likes of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner. Most recently, it was scientifically grounded by the research and theories of Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, and Erik Erikson. While there are differences in the approaches of these progenitors of early childhood education, they are overshadowed by one common principle: that early childhood curriculum and practice must be adapted to the maturing needs, abilities, and interests of the child.

This was the principle embodied in the Kindergarten Program, developed by Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) and the first early childhood program to be widely adopted in both Europe and abroad. The kindergarten movement was propelled by the industrial revolution and the introduction of women into the factory labor force. Later, Maria Montessori’s (1870-1952) early childhood program was also widely adopted both in Europe and abroad. But it was not until after WWII that early childhood education came to be seen as an important first step on the educational ladder.

Education starts with the child and not with the subject matter.

Early childhood educators lay the foundation for young minds to grow and thrive. Teachers are an important part of a child’s social and intellectual development both in the short term and long term.

From teaching kids about shapes and colors to creating a curriculum to charting students’ progress, an early childhood educator’s day is full of variety, challenge and special moments. While their days are spent primarily with children, early childhood educators also work closely with parents and specialists.

And as the number of preschool-aged children increases, the demand for early childhood education teachers will grow to make now a great time to join the field. While education requirements vary by state, most teachers earn a college degree.

An early childhood educator’s job is rewarding, but not without some challenges. We’re here to help; we scoured the Internet looking for the most valuable early childhood education resources. What you’ll find below is a comprehensive library of websites, blogs, webinars, research, and tools. Whether you’re just embarking on an early childhood education career or already work with children, you’ll find plenty of useful information.