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Head Start

An Office of the Administration for Children and Families Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC).

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Framework for Effective Practice
Supporting School Readiness for All Children

This house represents four integral elements of quality teaching and learning: engaging every day interactions with children (the foundation); choosing and implementing a strong curriculum (first pillar); using regular assessment of children's skills (second pillar), and individualized teaching (the roof). These elements--when connected with one another--form a single structure that fosters children's learning and development.

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Transparent image Framework foundation image Roof Section Left Pillar Right Pillar House Foundation

The Roof:
Highly Individualized Teaching and Learning

Effective instruction for all children requires specialized teaching and learning opportunities to access, participate, and thrive in the preschool classroom.

The First Pillar:
Research-Based Curricula and Teaching Practices

A high-quality, research-based curriculum provides learning goals and activities in key areas of children's development that reflect support for school readiness goals.

The Second Pillar:
Ongoing Child Assessment

Ongoing assessment is integral to curriculum and instruction. Our goal is to help children achieve school readiness and individual learning goals. We need to keep track of the children’s progress and use assessment to guide our teaching.

Foundation:
Engaging Interactions and Environments

Effective, engaging interactions and environments are the foundation for all learning in early childhood classrooms. High-quality preschool classrooms include a well-organized and managed classroom, social and emotional support, and instructional interactions and materials that stimulate children's thinking and skills.

 

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Last Reviewed: December 2012

Last Updated: February 11, 2013

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