The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool is a comprehensive, scientifically based early childhood curriculum that has been shown to improve cognitive and social/emotional outcomes in young children. It is linked with a valid and reliable assessment instrument, The Creative Curriculum Development Continuum for Ages 3-5, designed so teachers can assess child progress and guide program planning.
The Creative Curriculum is based on the latest research on how children learn best and has been shown through experimental and quasi-experimental studies to improve classroom quality and promote the school readiness of preschool children. The Creative Curriculum meets all of the standards put forth for effective early childhood curricula by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (NAECS/SDE).
Scientifically Based Research on Which The Creative Curriculum Is Based
Through well implemented experimental and quasi-experimental research, early childhood researchers have made great strides in identifying the building blocks of later school success. These findings were used to develop our curriculum and assessment materials, as well as our training services.
Scientifically Based Research Charting the Positive Effects of The Creative Curriculum on Classroom Quality and Children
While it is important that curriculum and assessment materials be based on the latest scientific research, it is equally important that these materials have a positive impact on child outcomes. Four rigorous independent studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, each finding positive impacts ranging from improved classroom quality to stronger academic and social skills. Two of the studies finding positive impacts were part of the Preschool Curriculum Evaluation Research (PCER) grants sponsored by the Department of Education.
Assessment
In addition to studies measuring the impact of The Creative Curriculum on child outcomes, we have evaluated the reliability and validity of our assessment tool, The Developmental Continuum for Ages 3-5 and are in the process of doing the same with The Developmental Continuum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos. These assessment tools are used by teachers to assess child progress and guide them in their program planning.
