How to Select a State-Approved Curriculum for Early Learning Programs
Selecting the right curriculum for early learning programs is crucial for ensuring that young learners develop the necessary skills for school and life. In New Jersey, it’s especially important to choose a New Jersey state-approved early childhood curriculum that aligns with state standards, supports cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development, and prepares children for future success.
At Frog Street, we understand that navigating curriculum options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process with expert insights and strategies to ensure your classroom thrives.
Understanding What a State-Approved Curriculum Is
A state-approved curriculum is more than a set of lessons; it’s a framework reviewed by the state's Department of Education to ensure it meets educational standards. In New Jersey, early childhood curricula must align with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, which emphasize essential milestones for child development and readiness for formal schooling.
Choosing a New Jersey state-approved early childhood curriculum ensures that your program adheres to the state's expectations for child development and education. By selecting such a curriculum, you're committing to providing the highest quality learning environment for children.
New Jersey’s Requirements for Early Childhood Curriculum
The New Jersey Department of Education outlines key requirements for early learning curricula to ensure holistic child development. These standards foster a nurturing and educational environment that supports growth across all developmental areas.
Key focus areas include:
- Alignment with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards
- Developmentally appropriate practices that encourage exploration and learning at each child’s pace
- A strong focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) to help children develop interpersonal skills
- Emphasis on language development, early literacy, and numeracy to build a foundation for academic success
At Frog Street, we are proud that our Preschool Program aligns perfectly with these state standards. Our Preschool Program ensures young learners meet academic benchmarks while developing the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Steps to Select a New Jersey State-Approved Early Childhood Curriculum
Step 1: Research Approved Programs
Your first step is to research programs that are already approved by the state. The New Jersey Department of Education provides a list of New Jersey state-approved early childhood curricula that meet rigorous standards.
Starting with this list ensures your program is built on a foundation of compliance and quality. Frog Street is proud to be among the programs approved by New Jersey, offering educators a trusted solution for early learning success.
Step 2: Evaluate Curriculum Goals
After identifying approved programs, evaluate how each curriculum aligns with your goals. Does the curriculum promote both academic achievement and social-emotional development? Is it flexible enough to incorporate hands-on, play-based learning?
Our preschool program supports holistic child development. We integrate cognitive, social-emotional, and physical learning in ways that are engaging and meaningful for young learners.
Step 3: Check for Developmental Appropriateness
A high-quality curriculum must be developmentally appropriate, with activities and lessons suited to children’s ages and developmental stages. This ensures that young learners remain engaged and develop essential skills.
Step 4: Ensure the Curriculum Covers Key Learning Areas
New Jersey requires that state-approved curricula cover key learning areas, such as language and literacy, math, science, social studies, and physical development. It’s important to ensure the curriculum you choose addresses these areas comprehensively.
Our preschool program is carefully designed to cover these domains while integrating social-emotional learning into daily activities. This approach helps young learners develop both academically and emotionally, preparing them for future academic success.
Step 5: Seek Flexibility and Teacher Support
A flexible curriculum is essential for early learning programs. Educators need the ability to adapt lessons to the unique needs of their children, and they also need robust support, including professional development and guidance.
At Frog Street, we empower educators with flexibility and support. Our Preschool Program allows lesson customization, and we provide professional development workshops, coaching, and ongoing training to ensure educators feel confident and equipped to implement our curriculum effectively.
Step 6: Consider Family and Community Engagement
New Jersey’s early learning guidelines emphasize the importance of family and community involvement in children’s education. When selecting a curriculum, ensure it includes resources and strategies for engaging families in meaningful ways.
Our Preschool Program includes tools to foster strong partnerships between educators and families. Our resources help educators involve families in the learning process, ensuring children receive consistent support in both the classroom and at home. This collaboration enhances the learning experience and helps children thrive.
Examples of New Jersey State-Approved Early Childhood Curricula
Frog Street is a trusted option for educators in New Jersey. Our comprehensive programs including the Frog Street Infant Curriculum, Frog Street Toddler Curriculum, Frog Street Threes Curriculum, and Frog Street TK Curriculum are built on research-based lessons that promote cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. By choosing Frog Street, you ensure that your children receive a high-quality education while meeting New Jersey’s rigorous standards.
What to Avoid When Selecting a Curriculum
When selecting a curriculum, avoid outdated programs or those that do not align with New Jersey state-approved early childhood curriculum standards. Additionally, be cautious of programs that focus only on academics without addressing social-emotional learning. A well-rounded program is essential for helping children succeed in school and life.
Frog Street addresses these concerns by offering research-based curricula that prioritize both academic success and emotional well-being. Our preschool program are flexible, and designed to meet New Jersey’s high standards.
Conclusion: Choose Frog Street for a State-Approved Early Learning Success
Selecting the right curriculum is crucial for fostering effective learning environments. With Frog Street’s New Jersey state-approved early childhood curriculum, educators have a powerful tool at their disposal to ensure that young learners achieve their fullest potential.
We take pride in offering curricula that are not only flexible but also grounded in the latest educational research, designed to support both educators and young learners. Our preschool programs are thoughtfully crafted to enhance cognitive development, nurture social-emotional skills, and encourage physical growth. We are committed to ensuring that every young learner is fully prepared for the next steps in their educational journey, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Partner with Frog Street today. Let us help you set a standard of excellence in early childhood education in New Jersey.