In the HighScope preschool curriculum, teachers ignite children’s interest in learning by creating an environment that encourages them to explore learning materials and interact with adults and peers. The focus is on supporting early learners as they make decisions, build academic skills, develop socially and emotionally, and become part of a classroom community. Active learning is at the center of the curriculum. This is the foundation of young children gaining knowledge through their natural play and interactions with the environment, events, and other people.
Key features of the HighScope Preschool Curriculum
Adult-Child Interaction
Teachers act and communicate as partners, working alongside children, sharing control, scaffolding their play, using encouragement instead of praise, and taking a problem-solving approach to supporting children in resolving conflicts to encourage learning.
Learning Environment
Teachers create a predictable and active learning environment by arranging and equipping the classroom with diverse, open-ended materials that reflect children’s home, culture, and language. The room is organized and labeled to promote independence and encourage children to carry out their intentions.
Daily Routine
A consistent framework for the day provides a balanced variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Children engage in both individual and social play, participate in small- and large-group activities, assist with cleanup, socialize during meals, develop self-care skills, and exercise their small and large muscles. The most important segment of the daily routine is the plan-do-review sequence, in which children make decisions about what they will do, carry out their ideas, and reflect upon their activities with adults and other children. These higher-level thinking skills are linked to the development of executive functions, which are needed to be successful in school and life.
Preschool Curriculum Content
Learning in these eight areas is guided by 58 key developmental indicators (KDIs). Each KDI identifies an important learning goal for young children. We recognize that the normal pace of children’s development and learning varies widely across these eight categories and the KDIs reflect that continuum of widely held expectations. Our curriculum is designed to help teachers appropriately scaffold learning for every child across all areas.
Assessment
Ongoing child assessment is also an underlying component of the HighScope Curriculum. Objective anecdotal observations of children collected throughout children’s natural play allow teachers to assess children's progress and plan meaningful learning experiences.