Home Daycare Curriculum Information
Home day care providers need to strike a balance when it comes to curriculum, bringing in the right amount and types of structured learning activities without overlooking educational opportunities that occur naturally during relaxed free play.
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Identification
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A day care or preschool curriculum, as defined by Michigan's Project Great Start, includes "all daily activities, transitions, and routines which impact on the child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development."
Types
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A typical curriculum may include themed lesson plans, or materials and activities focused on or incorporating various categories of child development such as language development, sensory skills and social development. When planning a curriculum, opt for hands-on learning rather than worksheet-based programs.
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Function
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Your curriculum should introduce children to concepts they will build upon in kindergarten and beyond. Lesson plans that promote early language development, emerging social skills, and math and science concepts without requiring children to sit still for too long are the most appropriate for home day care environments.
Considerations
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Plan purposeful activities to help young children master concepts appropriate for their age levels. Include daily opportunities for children to use art materials, ask questions, participate in reading activities and interact with peers.
Keep It Simple
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Home day care programs that incorporate at least 15 minutes of story time in each half day, provide opportunities for children to make predictions, encourage problem solving, and provide access to manipulatives, puzzles, music, dramatic play props and art supplies have all the makings of a successful day care curriculum.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
