Prompt:

As an early childhood educator you are asked to participate in joint planning sessions with several other teachers to adopt and existing curriculum.  You discover that no one is present to represent families and that each teacher has a different idea of developmentally appropriate curriculum and its connection to assessment.  Develop a power point or brochure to explain your position of assessment in an early childhood classroom at the next meeting.   Pay close attention to the integration of children’s developmental needs, curriculum goals, and assessment.  Cite your references.

Curriculum:

Developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching approaches Children are planned for as individuals and as a group

Teaching and learning is based upon what children already know and are able to do

The environment plays a critical role in the curriculum

The written and unwritten curriculum  

All developmental domains are included (physical, emotional, social, linguistic, aesthetic, and cognitive)

All academic content areas are included and integrated (Math, Science, Social Studies, Music, Literacy, Art, History etc)

Goals for curriculum are realistic

Technology (when used) is integrated in the classroom

Assessment:

Basic understanding of child development and the individualized nature of development is present

Systematic approach is used

Based on observations and real life situations

Employs a variety of assessment techniques and tools

Used to develop individual goals, curriculum goals, and inform families

Helps teachers deepen their understanding of children

Diversity issues are examined before, during, and after assessment

Curriculum goals, activities, and assessment are aligned