Hey there, parents! Bryce here. Let’s talk about something that probably keeps you up at night… what exactly are these teachers doing with your little ones all day?
I get it. You drop off your precious 3-year-old and wonder – are they just finger painting and eating goldfish crackers? (spoiler alert: there’s WAY more going on)
## **The Big Players in Early Childhood Curriculum**
Okay so here’s the deal. There’s not just ONE curriculum that every preschool uses. It’s kinda like ice cream flavors – lots of options, and honestly? They’re all pretty good in their own way.
**Montessori** – You’ve probably heard this one thrown around. Kids choose their own activities, lots of hands-on materials. Think tiny humans pouring water into cups for 20 minutes straight and somehow… learning math? Wild, but it works.
**Reggio Emilia** – This one’s all about projects and exploration. Like if your kid finds a dead bug on the playground, suddenly the whole class is studying insects for 3 weeks. Its pretty cool actually.
**HighScope** – Plan-Do-Review. That’s their thing. Kids make a plan, do the thing, then talk about it. Sounds simple but man, watching a 4-year-old plan their day is hilarious AND educational.
**Creative Curriculum** – This is what a LOT of centers use. Including many right here in town. It’s got everything mapped out – what to teach, when to teach it, how to set up your classroom. Teachers love it cause it makes their job easier.
## **But Wait… What Are They Actually Learning?**
Here’s where it gets interesting. No matter what fancy name the curriculum has, they’re all hitting these areas:
• **Social skills** (aka learning not to bite your friends)
• **Language development** (from “me want cookie” to “may I please have a cookie”)
• **Math concepts** (counting, shapes, patterns – yes your 3 year old is doing math!)
• **Science exploration** (why is the sky blue? why do worms exist? SO many questions)
• **Creative expression** (art, music, dramatic play – dress up corner anyone?)
• **Physical development** (gross motor AND fine motor – big movements and tiny finger skills)
## **The Secret Sauce? Play-Based Learning**
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. The best early childhood programs? They’re sneaky. Your kid thinks they’re just playing but BAM – they’re learning to count while they’re setting the table in the pretend kitchen.
They’re developing problem-solving skills when they figure out how to build a block tower that doesn’t fall over. They’re learning literacy when they “write” a menu for their restaurant (even if it’s just scribbles).
**Play IS the curriculum** at this age. Full stop.
## **What Should You Look For?**
When you’re checking out programs for your kiddo, here’s my advice:
1. **Ask about their curriculum** – but also watch what’s actually happening in the classrooms
2. **Look for balance** – structured activities AND free play time
3. **Check if they document learning** – good programs track your child’s progress
4. **See if kids look happy** – seriously, happy kids = learning kids
## **The Bottom Line**
Your local early learning center probably uses a mix of approaches. And that’s GOOD! Every kid is different. Some need more structure, some need more freedom. The best teachers know how to adapt.
What matters most? That your child is in a place where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. Where teachers see them as capable little humans (which they are!) and give them opportunities to grow.
The curriculum is important, sure. But the magic happens when skilled teachers use it as a guide – not a rulebook.
So next time you pick up your kiddo and they’re covered in paint, holding a rock they “discovered,” and telling you about how they built a castle for the classroom guinea pig… know that they’ve been learning. All. Day. Long.
And that goldfish cracker? They probably had to count out exactly 10 of them. See? Learning everywhere. 😊
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*Want to see our curriculum in action? Stop by for a tour anytime! We love showing parents how the magic happens.*