Early Childhood Education Resources

Building a foundation for Responsive, equitable, and safe educational spaces for children ages birth-4 must be based in research. The National Association of the Education of Young Children is a leading source for resources. Their guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice “reflect new research that underscores the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts of development and elevates the need for active engagement through play, exploration, and inquiry in ways that support the whole child.”

As a leader in early childhood education, every action and decision is based on a commitment to families and communities and a deep belief that all children need support to succeed. Read about a day in the life of Ms. Nina as she runs her early childhood center- Mini Makers.

States vary in their approach to standards in early childhood. This is an example of Colorado’s guidelines. These are exemplary because they are aligned to the Head Start standards and address cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development.

Similarly, to standards, states have different expectations for required training early childhood educators must complete. This is an example of the trainings CO requires.

Physical space is an integral component of a responsive equitable early childhood experience. Read below for the positive impacts responsive physical spaces can have in early childhood.

Eating provides ample opportunities to learn about children, families, and communities. Read about ways to develop culturally responsive eating habits and procedures.

Knowledge of student, family, and community risk and protective factors helps us be better advocates for children and their families. Read about the different factors the Center for Disease Control has created.

Encouraging tooth brushing in Head Start and child care programs helps promote oral health and teaches children a lifelong habit. Use this video to train staff to begin a daily toothbrushing program in Head Start and child care programs.

Make the complex task of creating a child-centered curriculum easier with the practical guidelines and ideas in this updated and expanded handbook. Learn how to sharpen your observation and documentation skills, set up your space, and transform your teaching to reflect children’s interests and needs. Insightful classroom stories, assessment tools, checklists, comparative charts, and activities encourage new approaches and self-reflection as you plan your curriculum and put it into practice.

The SFUSD Math Core Curriculum is a Common Core Math Curriculum for students from PK to Grade 11. The curriculum was developed and revised by SFUSD teachers with advice from partners such as Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) and the Silicon Valley Mathematics Initiative (SVMI). You can learn more about the curriculum from the main site here.