EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION · v1.4
Good practice
begins with
understanding.
A field guide for connecting what we know about preschool children with what we do every day.
For educators, students, and program leaders.
A WAY INTO THE WORK
01What we believe
Five commitments to carry into the classroom.
What we do
Observable practices for everyday moments.
How we support it
The evidence, planning, and tools behind practice.
The foundations stay connected.
ONE FRAMEWORK. DIFFERENT STARTING POINTS.
Find what you need today.
Make the next moment count.
Start with commitments and daily practices you can return to when the day gets complicated.
Read Start HerePLANNING WITH A TEAMBuild a system you can sustain.
Choose an implementation level that fits your program and protects time with children.
Plan your implementationLOOKING FOR A TOOLPut your thinking to work.
Find planning templates, observation forms, environment checklists, and reflection tools.
Open the toolkitTHE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE
The whole picture.
One connected practice.
Fourteen sections connect philosophy, teaching, care, and continuous improvement. Read in order or go straight to the question in front of you.
Program philosophy
Name what matters and connect your philosophy to evidence.
Developmental domains
Consider the whole child across connected areas of development.
Standards alignment
Connect learning goals to the guidance that applies to your program.
Scope & sequence
Plan for growth without turning development into a deadline.
Unit & theme planning
Build sustained inquiry around children’s lives and interests.
Activities & experiences
Make room for play, exploration, and intentional teaching.
Materials & environment
Create accessible spaces that invite meaningful participation.
Routines & transitions
Bring responsive care into the everyday rhythm of your program.
Teacher-child interactions
Use warmth, conversation, and thoughtful support to extend learning.
Assessment & families
Notice learning, plan next steps, and work with families.
Inclusive practice
Anticipate barriers and provide individualized support.
Trauma-informed practice
Build safety, predictability, and nurturing relationships.
Equity & community
Examine representation, participation, and shared decision-making.
Continuous improvement
Use reflection and evidence to keep improving practice.
PUT THE GUIDANCE TO WORK
Start small.
Notice what changes.
Choose one priority. Try one change. Use what you observe to decide the next step.
Your first 30 days