Curriculum Implementation and Alignment

Curriculum Implementation

• Use creative curriculum with specific room layout and activity centers to support diverse choices.
• Lesson plans serve as blueprints for daily activities, facilitating continuous observation and assessment of children's learning.

Alignment with ELDS

• A guide is maintained alongside standards to demonstrate how the creative curriculum aligns with Ohio's Early Learning Development Standards (ELDS).

Material Rotation in the Classroom

• Weekly environment plans are utilized to introduce new activities and rotate materials based on children's interests and curiosity.
• Changing center activities aids in skill building and conceptual learning.

Planning for Development

• Planning for exploration, skill, and concept development is tailored to children's needs, interests, and skill levels.

Examples of Exploration, Concept, and Skill Development

• Discovery tables feature various textures, scents, and colors to promote exploration.
• Concept development involves teaching children to apply names to objects and animals.
• Skill development transitions from large building blocks to smaller ones, emphasizing mastery and application.

Purposeful Instructional Planning

• Instruction is intentional, rooted in observations and assessments of individual children.

Planning for Learning

• Individual learning plans cater to small groups based on ASQ scores, while group learning sessions benefit the whole class through engaging activities like circle time.

Ongoing Assessment Method

• Employ the "Gold standard" assessment every three months, observing different areas weekly.
• Portfolio summaries, including work samples and milestone notes, are shared with families.

Data Analysis for Instruction

• ASQs identify children below average in development, while anecdotal notes highlight interests and everyday engagement.

Individualized Instruction

• Modifications are based on assessments, ensuring each child's unique needs and interests are addressed daily.

Assessment Results Sharing

• Assessment results are communicated to families during biannual conferences.

Development Goals with Families

• Conferences are pivotal for establishing developmental goals, allowing parents to express their aspirations for their children.

Screening and Referral Process

• Utilize the ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaire), "Help Me Grow," and "Crossroads" for screening, referring children for further evaluation as needed.

Family Communication about Screening

• Results from screenings are shared in the same biannual conferences with families.

Transition Process Inclusion

• Transition plans are crafted collaboratively with parents before the child moves to a new classroom, involving gradual acclimatization.

Engagement Activity Communication

• Families are informed about engagement activities through newsletters, daily notes, social media, and on-site notifications.

Classroom Self-Assessment Process

• The ITERS (Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale) is used annually for self-assessment, guiding professional development and classroom improvement.

Improvement Goals Development

• Formulation of improvement goals involves ITERS assessments and establishing both short-term and long-term goals.

Long-Term Professional Development

• Pursuing a master's degree in Early Intervention (EI) is a key goal for professional growth.

Short-Term Development Goals

• Engage in relevant classes for advancing knowledge and skills in early education.

Task Delegation

• Assign responsibilities to assistants to enhance classroom management and efficiency.

Environmental Enhancements

• Introduction of a sand and water table center to enrich sensory play experiences.

Child Progress Evaluation

• Individual progress is assessed through customized lesson plans and small group activities tailored to specific developmental needs.

Assessment Data Analysis Process

• Assessment results are documented in the Teaching Strategies Gold portfolio, facilitating comparison of progress across time periods.

Referral Process for Special Needs

• ASQ results lead to family meetings; referrals for additional support must be completed within a 90-day timeframe if outliers are identified.

Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with local organizations such as Great Lakes Dental, Crossroads, and Mentor Public Library to support children and families.

Parent Communication Methods

• Utilize a range of communication tools including newsletters, daily sheets, letters from staff, and social media interaction.

Staff Support Initiatives

• Benefits include paid holidays, childcare discounts, professional development programs, and wellness classes to support staff wellbeing.

Explore how to effectively implement your curriculum and ensure alignment with Early Learning Development Standards (ELDS). This quiz will guide you through essential concepts like lesson planning and creative curriculum. Test your understanding and enhance your educational practices.