Title: Research early childhood education programs.
Course: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-18) > Section: Exploring Early Childhood Education

Research should include

- selected types of programs
  - Early Head Start
  - Head Start
  - center-based
  - family day home providers
  - half-day preschool
  - school-based
  - public-private partnerships (mixed delivery)
  - corporate
  - lab school
  - faith-based
- a comparison of
  - clients served
  - instructional program (e.g., Montessori, High Scope)
  - operational structure
  - financial policies
  - areas served.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What criteria determine the choice of an early childhood education program? How do families prioritize specific criteria?
- How do American and other models of early childhood education around the world compare? What are the strengths of each?
- How can one determine the quality of a program?

Communication

- What should one do to demonstrate respect for families’ values?
- How does each curriculum lend itself to family involvement?

Leadership

- How is the influence of a curriculum on the development of the child assessed? How might it affect the family and the community?
- What essential elements of a curriculum should program leaders promote to the community?
- What skills are needed to run an effective early childhood program with appropriate funding, space, and materials?

Management

- What are curriculum and instructional goals for each type of program?
- What assessments measure children’s progress and preparation for further education?
- How can fair and equitable approaches be established in early childhood program delivery, including standards, assessments, curriculum, and personnel practices?