Curriculum

developmentally appropriate early childhood program

      Knox Child Development Center has built its own curriculum based on Developmentally Appropriate Practice.  According to the Southern Regional Education Board (1994), a developmentally appropriate program or practice is “based on knowledge of the stages of child development…(continues…) , and an understanding that each child is unique and that each child’s experiences should match his or her development abilities.”  In particular, a developmentally appropriate early childhood program emphasizes:

  • Active exploration of the environment.
  • Self-directed, hands-on learning activities.
  • Balance between individual and group activities.
  • Regular and supportive interaction with teachers and peers.
  • Balance between active movement and quiet activities

The principles and guidelines outline practice that promotes young children’s optimal learning and development.

            We also utilize as a guideline the practices of the The National Association for the Education of Young Children. The NAEYC defines, developmentally appropriate practice or DAP, as “…a framework of principles and guidelines for best practice in the care and education of young children, birth through age 8.”  It is grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about education effectiveness. The principles and guidelines outline practice that promotes young children’s optimal learning and development.  The DAP framework is described in detail in NAEYC’s Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (PDF) released in 2009.”

The theme will include a wide variety of activities that the lead teacher can work into her lesson plan including art, music and literature.

            Our curriculum is based on a different learning theme each month. (A learning theme such as transportation or seasons or a fun theme like Dr. Seuss.)  Along with the theme is a set of numbers, colors, shapes and letters to work on for the month.  The theme will include a wide variety of activities that the lead teacher can work into her lesson plan including art, music and literature.  Our curriculum is woven into the schedule of each classroom so that the children have activities throughout the day. Our concentrated learning time for kindergarten readiness skill is in the morning class time.

Also, in the afternoon, we have Social Studies activities which include topics such as: nutrition, science, and history.

            We also have included in our curriculum basic Bible lessons.  Our primary source is the Beginners Bible Curriculum which focuses one year on the Old Testament and one year on the New Testament.  Our Bible curriculum is taught one afternoon a week.  Also, in the afternoon, we have Social Studies activities which include topics such as: nutrition, science, and history.
            

We begin our curriculum in the 12 months and walking classroom and build and progress with each age group.  When the children reach the 4 and 5 year old classroom kindergarten readiness skills are included into the curriculum.

(Please see individual age groups for a more in-depth explanation.)

Assessments:

            Our staff has been working the last two years to integrate a new assessment tool into their classrooms. What we really like about this system is that it will follow a child throughout their years here at Knox.

Preschool Observation Checklist & Evaluation Tool (POCET) is the assessment tool that we have been implementing here at Knox. Here is an overview of the POCET.

STEP 1:
Identify Appropriate Sequence of
Preschool Skills
The Developmental Guidelines describe appropriate preschool skills, in developmental order, across eight domains of learning: Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Social/Emotional Development, Creative Arts, Approaches to Learning, Science, and Physical Health/Safety.
STEP 2:
Provide Skill Development
Four basic activities are included for each of the 68 Developmental Guidelines to support skill progression.
STEP 3:
Record Individual Progress
Developmental Checklist Folders allow you to track each child’s individual progress, to share with parents and to send on to the kindergarten teacher.
STEP 4:
Formally Assess
A regular, ongoing assessment of Reading and Mathematics gives you a picture of how each child is functioning, and where more support is needed.
STEP 5:
Chart Progress
The Assessment Chart provides a quick reference for activity and lesson planning across all 68 Developmental Guidelines.
STEP 6:
Use Data to Inform Instruction
Lesson Plans guide teachers by using information gathered from formal and informal assessments. Guide instruction and ongoing progress.

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