SHARING RESOURCES

Welcome to the ChildCare Education Institute Newsletter! This Month, CCEI Discusses Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum.

Early childhood education (ECE) research is constantly evolving. While it is difficult for ECE professionals to keep up with all the latest twists and turns in current research, it is essential to be aware of major trends and shifts. In developing curriculum and other program elements, ECE professionals must be able to discern the "good ideas" from those that are confirmed by research. A little over a decade ago, many early childhood teachers were not aware of the important role they play in determining a child's future success in reading and other academic pursuits. Prior to the mid 1990s, you would not have found many child care programs that focused on things like vocabulary development, print awareness, and exposing children to rich oral language. Today, if you find a program that does not include these areas in its curriculum, then you would be justified in wondering whether the program's designers have been paying attention at all!

Some specific information seemed particularly relevant to my current professional development is the fact that finaly ECD is being recognized. 

Information that adds to  my understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field is by accepting the research on the importance of ECE.

Other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field that I gained  from exploring the e-newsletter is how ECE are changing the curriculum for the better and understanding all the developmental milestones that young children must reach.