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From the Outside Looking In
The early childhood education component of a family literacy program focuses on the child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. It is a place where:
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effective teachers provide opportunities
to engage in child-initiated activities;
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the curriculum is well-planned;
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individual learner goals are specified and integrated across domains; and
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teacher-led learning activities are purposeful
in promoting language and literacy development.
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-- Adapted from NCFL Program Administration Manual
What is a quality early childhood program?
A quality early childhood education fosters the development of social, emotional, linguistic, aesthetic, cognitive and physical skills of young children. |
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In a quality program, effective teachers acknowledge and encourage children’s efforts, model and demonstrate, create challenges, support children in extending their capabilities and are explicit in giving directions and instructions. |
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Quality programs are developmentally appropriate meaning the activities and materials are “appropriate” for the child’s age and meet the child's individual needs. |
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Research-based Early Childhood Curriculum
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Are there a wide variety of materials available for children?
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Are the materials accessible to the children?
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Are the materials geared to the interests and developmental level of the child?
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Is there balance between child-directed and teacher-initiated activities?
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Are the materials in the environment reflective of the population served?
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Are there materials in the environment that teach children the value of diversity?
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Are learning experiences challenging?
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A Language Rich Environment
Language development involves children learning a whole set of language systems, each with its own rules. Read more about language rich environments.
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