Curriculum Approaches in Early Childhood Education
Curriculum Comparison
There are many early childhood curriculum models. For this assignment, you will research, compare, and contrast two models.
Model 1: Select a model from your textbook.
Model 2: Select a model not presented in your textbook. You can choose a model from the options below.
Curriculum Model Discussed in Textbook
Additional Curriculum Model Options
Additional Curriculum Model Options
High/Scope
Creative Curriculum
Big Day for PreK
Montessori
Project Approach
Connect4Learning
Bank Street
Emergent Curriculum
Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence
Reggio Emelia
Inquiry-based Learning
Curiosity Corner
Head Start
Dual language, immersion or bilingual program
Learn Every Day
Another ECE Curriculum Model
Frog Street
World of Wonders
OWL: Opening the World of Learning
PreK for Me
Other research-based models
1. Select two curriculum models
Model 1 (from the textbook):
Model 2 (researched model):
2. References for each model
You may not use the text or the Head Start ECLKC as your only sources but may list them in addition to the researched sources.
Model 1:
Model 2:
For the following sections, please provide a minimum of 1 paragraph discussing each curricular model.
3. Historical and Current Perspectives
Who founded the curriculum model? When and where did the curricular model start? Where and how is it being used today?
Model 1:
Model 2:
4. Philosophy/Approach to Curriculum Development and Teaching Young Children
What are the main theories underlying each model? What are the beliefs about how children learn best and how they should be taught? What value is placed on play? What are the roles of teachers?
Model 1:
Model 2:
5. Developmentally Appropriate Practices (NAEYC Position Statement)
How does the curriculum model promote rich learning experiences for young children as a class and individually? Describe the learning environment and materials including use of technology. Explain daily routines, and teacher-child and child-child interactions.
Model 1:
Model 2:
6. Alignment with Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education (NAEYC Position Statement)
How does the curriculum model honor diversity and ensure cultural responsiveness? Describe if and how the model teaches children the four anti-bias education goals (Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Activism).
Model 1:
Model 2:
7. Methods for Inclusion of Exceptional Learners
How does the curriculum model ensure an inclusive environment? Describe how the model supports children with special needs, diverse languages, gifts and talents, and/or socio-economic challenges.
Model 1:
Model 2:
8. Family and Community Relationships and Engagement
How does the model promote family engagement? Are families viewed as their children’s primary and most important teachers? Are families viewed as partners with early educators? What is the role of the community?
Model 1:
Model 2:
9. Curriculum Comparison and Contrast
Present the strengths, advantages, concerns and/or disadvantages of the two models.
Model 1:
Model 2:
10. Curriculum Review: Comparison and Contrast
Summarize both curricular models: What are the primary strengths and advantages of each model? What are the primary differences and disadvantages? Are there areas of concern? Would you utilize one or both curricular models? Explain why or why not?
Model 1:
Model 2:
