Communicating and Learning

Early learning frameworks and standards

As you explore the following websites and documents, think about how they have been influenced by Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum and the Abecedarian project curriculum discussed in the Communicating and Learning module.

Canada

These frameworks are based in research and influenced by current thinking about curriculum for young children. They recognize the salience of play in the lives of young children.

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework

Alberta: FLIGHT: Play, Participation and Possibilities, Kindergarten Statement

British Columbia: Early Learning Framework, Full Day Kindergarten Program Guide, Metis Nation Early Learning & Child Care Framework

Manitoba: Early Returns: Manitoba’s Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework for Infant Programs; Early Returns: Manitoba’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework for Preschool Centres and Nursery Schools; A Time for Learning, A Time for Joy: A Resource for Kindergarten Teachers

New Brunswick: New Brunswick Curriculum Framework for Early Learning and Child Care, Le Curriculum éducatif pour la petite enfance francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador: Navigating the Early Years: An Early Childhood Learning Framework

Northwest Territories: NWT Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Curriculum

Nova Scotia:  Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework 

Ontario: How Does Learning Happen? The Kindergarten Program

Prince Edward Island: Kindergarten Integrated Curriculum; PEI Early Learning Framework

Quebec: Meeting Early Childhood Needs: Quebec’s Educational Program for Childhood Services

Saskatchewan: Play and Exploration: Early Learning Program Guide, Kindergarten

United States

Links below are to a sample of state education/early childhood education websites and learning standards documents.

California Preschool Curriculum Frameworks, California Preschool Curriculum Framework Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3

Colorado Early  Learning Guidelines and Preschool Academic Standards 

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards

Delaware Early Learning Foundations: Preschool

Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards

Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for Preschoolers

Indiana Department of Education: Early Learning

Iowa Early Learning Standards

Early Learning in Maine – Standards, Maine Early Childhood Learning Standards 

Maryland’s Guide to Early Childhood Pedagogy Birth to Age 8

Massachusetts Executive Office of Education: Curriculum and Learning

New Jersey Early Childhood Education Program Guidelines/Teaching & Learning Standards

Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines for Children Ages Three through Five

Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards

Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards 

South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines

Tennessee Department of Education: Early Learning Developmental Standards

Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning

Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards: Birth to First Grade 

Wyoming Early Learning Foundations for Children ages 3 – 5 

International examples…

As you consider these examples from other countries, consider the similarities and differences between them and the North American information.

Te Whariki, New Zealand

Early Years Learning Framework, Australia

Early Years Foundation Stage, United Kingdom