DAP 4: Curriculum

Overview

Quality programs recognize the importance of carefully planned activities and instruction that guide children’s development and learning. These programs create developmentally appropriate environments through curricula that outline what children will learn, how they will learn, and how adults will facilitate that learning.

A curriculum that aligns with the Maryland Early Learning Standards lays a strong foundation for a quality learning environment that prepares children for academic success.

Requirement

Levels 4 and 5:

A curriculum is implemented and aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards as identified by the Local Education Agency (LEA).

Documentation to upload: Statement describing the use of LEA curriculum.

The requirements for levels 4 and 5 are the same. If you meet the requirements for level 4, you will be rated as a level 5 in DAP 4.

Build a Statement

Develop a statement that identifies the curriculum used by the program and describes why the curriculum was chosen. After reflecting, you are ready to build your statement.

Reflection Questions

  1. What curriculum, as identified by the LEA, does the program use?
  2. Does the curriculum align with the Maryland Early Learning Standards (Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, Physical Education, Fine Arts, and Social Foundations Domains)?

Upon reviewing the questions, you have the option to download and save the Curriculum Statement as a template for creating your statement.

If you need more support writing your Curriculum Statement, use the Writers Tips and Prompts to find examples and get more guidance.

Next Steps

  • Review your Curriculum Statement to ensure that the requirements are met.
  • Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload your program’s Curriculum Statement.
  • Submit for review.

Additional Resources

  • Maryland Early Learning Standards The Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood Education publishes a set of resources on early learning standards to help plan and implement domain-based activities.