Curriculum in Pre-K
The State of Maine Early Learning and Development Standards are the state learning standards for children in preschool programs in the state of Maine. As the teaching staff designs curriculum, based on children’s interests and assessment data, they align each activity to these learning standards to ensure that the curriculum is addressing the learning needs of individual children enrolled in Pre-K.
Assessment is done in order to see where a child is developmentally and to determine their interests, strengths, and needs. Assessment is also a tool that teachers utilize to communicate children’s developmental progress with families. Families are part of the assessment process in that they offer information on children’s interests and needs as well as their progress and accomplishments that have been observed at home. Family conferences can occur two to three times throughout the year. At these conferences families, staff, and relevant specialists communicate with each other regarding the child’s progress, strengths, and areas of concern. Families share their wishes on their child’s individualized curriculum opportunities. Teachers then utilize this information in further planning for the child.