The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century is being developed in response to growing recognition that too many children are not ready for school when they enter kindergarten. Working parents must entrust their young children to others. Increasingly, young children may spend most of their waking hours in out of home care. How can the adults who work in these settings ensure that the children in their care will be ready for school?

The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century emphasizes the development of Essential Cognitive Foundations (not academic skills) within a context of interesting, meaningful activities and a positive, supportive environment. As a high quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum, The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century moves substantially beyond the debates that have characterized early childhood education and philosophy for a number of years (e.g., adult directed vs. child initiated approaches, intellectual vs. socio-emotional goals).

The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century is based on contemporary theories of human development and learning. The importance of social transmission of cultural knowledge and skills (including reading readiness) is emphasized. Complete and effective skill acquisition is not accomplished through direct instruction or by leaving the child alone to "develop naturally," but rather by adults serving as guides and facilitators of learning. The importance of children's active involvement in developing and participating in classroom activities is emphasized. Young children learn best when
  • they are interested in what they are doing
  • they have readily available adult support
  • they are involved in hands-on activities
  • these activities are related to what they already know.
The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century is designed to be appropriate for children of different learning abilities, including those who might be labeled gifted, those who might be labeled demographically at risk and in need of compensatory education, and those who are so typical as to be labeled normal.

Developed by Dr. Lucia French and her students and colleagues at University of Rochester, The Preschool Curriculum for the 21st Century is put into practice and continually refined at Third Church Head Start Demonstration Center, in Rochester, New York.

Last updated: November 14, 1997 by Charles S. Yang