Curriculum and Assessment

The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning.  The goal of the Creative Curriculum is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners by actively exploring their environment. The curriculum is one of the New Jersey Department of Education’s four recommended curricula. 

The preschool system is based on 38 different objectives for development and learning, and offers educators daily opportunities to individualize instruction. These  research-based objectives are the heart of the curriculum and define the path teachers take with children in their classroom.  The program uses a system called Teaching Strategies GOLD to assess students.  Throughout the day teachers use observation to collect anecdotal notes, and other forms of evidence such as work samples, pictures,  and video interactions between peers and with teachers.  This information is carefully analyzed to identify areas of strength and growth in each student, inform instruction, create lesson plans, and guide individual learning.  

Philosophy:

The philosophy behind Creative Curriculum© is built on theories of development in young children, that all children learn through active exploration of their environment and therefore the environment plays a critical role in learning.  It is built on the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices that match how children develop and learn so as to promote their optimal development and learning.  Early childhood educators make informed decisions about their teaching with an understanding of child development and expectations, interest of the children, strengths and areas of growth, and the cultures of each child’s family and community. 

The curriculum is rooted with five key principles that guide and support the intentional setup of the environment and other program aspects.  These principles include positive and supportive interactions and relationships, a constructive, purposeful play based approach, teaching of social-emotional competence, a quality physical environment, and family partnerships.  All of these principles influence an understanding of development and learning and are essential to a child’s physical structure of the brain.

Studies:

The study approach is a method of integrating content learning through children’s investigations of a meaningful topic. Children raise questions about the topic, and through exploration and discovery they find answers to their questions. Plus, the study approach not only allows children to gain a deeper understanding of the topic but also encourages them to develop skills across all domains as they apply the investigative process. 

Parent involvement:

Opportunities for involving families are built into The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool. The resources and guidance embedded throughout the curriculum help teachers build essential bridges between school and home and create meaningful partnerships with families. Guidance and support for including families are built right into daily plans, with regular opportunities to invite and include family participation.