What does curriculum mean in early childhood education?
Today, we have an impressive body of knowledge about child development, learning theory and principles of pedagogy. Decades of research confirm the value and long-term, positive effects of early childhood programs that emphasize active learning and social competence. I believe that an early childhood curriculum should offer educators a vision of what an age-appropriate program looks like and a framework for making decisions about how to achieve that vision. Why would people who work with infants and toddlers need a curriculum? Caring for babies should occur in a safe and healthy environment. It should also take advantage of the unique learning opportunities that occur during this period. The brain development that takes place in the first 3 years of life is astounding. Infants and toddlers are discovering whether the world is a place they can trust and whether they can assert their independence and feel capable. They develop trust and autonomy in the context of relationships. A curricu
