Curriculum Planning

This course focuses on the principles and practices involved in designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula for young children. This course covers the theoretical foundations of early childhood education and explores how to create engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning experiences. Students will learn how to develop curriculum plans that support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children from infancy through preschool. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students will gain practical experience in designing curricula that meet the diverse needs of children in early childhood education settings.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Foundations of Early Childhood Curriculum: Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of early childhood curriculum development, including key approaches such as play-based, inquiry-based, and project-based learning.
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate curricula that support children’s learning and development across all domains, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.
• Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Curriculum: Develop the ability to create inclusive and culturally responsive curricula that respect and celebrate the diversity of children’s backgrounds, languages, and experiences.
• Curriculum Evaluation and Adaptation: Gain skills in evaluating the effectiveness of curriculum plans and making adaptations to meet the individual needs and interests of children, ensuring that learning experiences are meaningful and engaging.

These outcomes aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and implement high-quality curricula that support holistic child development and foster a positive, engaging learning environment in early childhood education settings.