Are the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards appropriate for all children?
The Standards reflect expectations for a typically-developing child; adapting and individualizing learning experiences ensures optimal development for all children. The Standards recognize that children are individuals who develop at individual rates. While children generally develop in similar stages and sequences, greatly diverse patterns of behavior and learning emerge as a result of the interaction of several factors including: genetic predisposition and physical characteristics; socio-economic status; values, beliefs, cultural and political practices of their families and communities. Because brain development and social-emotional development are most active in the early years of a childs life, all of the childs experiences are of critical importance to the child and our society. As such, these standards support the development of optimal learning experiences that can be adapted in response to the individual developmental patterns of children.
