Specifications include, but are not limited to: The program should include research-based and classroom-tested foundations in language & literacy, science & technology, social-emotional, and mathematics learning; weaving together all the domains to ensure that each subject is addressed meaningfully and comprehensively throughout the day with each child. The curriculum should use a project-based approach, in which children work toward a larger goal. It should include high-interest learning centers that support and extend children’s growing understandings in social-emotional skills, science, literacy, and mathematics as a fundamental part of daily lesson plans. Lessons should be tailored to fit the schedule and requirements of any classroom setting and be modified for each child’s ability. The curriculum should be teacher initiated and child led. Ongoing observation should be used for assessment and opportunities for individualized strategies should also be built into the curriculum. The program should include a book on the foundation of the curriculum as well as developmental objectives to help guide and assess where children are developmentally and where they will be headed next. In addition to this, a guide on the interest areas within the classroom and guides to support the main areas of development as mentioned above. Supporting materials should include but are not limited to: foundation volumes to deepen understanding, children's books that align to the curriculum, transition cards, discussion cards, resources that connect the family to the curriculum and the classroom (at home activities, mobile app, recipe cards, etc), aligned assessment opportunity and larger materials that support the day to day operations using the curriculum to deepen play and learning in a developmentally appropriate manner (outdoor play materials, center materials, etc).
