Title: Differentiate among the types of early childhood education programs.
Course: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-36) > Section: Exploring Early Childhood Education

Differentiation should include a report of research

- into the selected types of programs
  - Head Start
  - center-based
  - home-based
  - half-day preschool
  - corporate
  - lab-school
  - faith-based
- in terms of
  - clients served
  - instructional program (e.g., Montessori and High Scope)
  - similarities and differences among the programs, operational structure, financial policies, and area served.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What criteria determine the parent’s choice of an early childhood education program?
- How do parents rank the importance of specific criteria (e.g., convenience, type of facilities, instructional program)?
- What are the similarities and differences among the American models and other global community methods of early childhood education?
- What are the strengths of each early childhood education model in meeting the ever-changing needs of a growing family?
- What are the determining factors that influence a parent’s choice of an early childhood program?
- How do teachers within each program interact with the children? Do they talk with the children on their level to support child's social and emotional growth? Do they encourage children to learn and be creative?
- What are the long-term benefits of each program based on the population served (e.g., Are low-income children better prepared in a Head Start program or a Montessori program)?
- What are the similarities and differences between corporate and faith-based programs?
- Which programs need to follow state licensing guidelines?

Communication

- What should one do to demonstrate respect for families’ values? How do families enter preschool programs?
- How does each curriculum lend itself to family involvement?
- How does parent communication strengthen the development of the child within the program?

Leadership

- What should be done to assess the influence of a curriculum on the development of the child? How might it affect the family and the community?
- What are the essential elements of a program's curriculum that leaders of the program should promote to the community and parents?
- What skills are needed to run an effective early childhood program with appropriate funding, space, and materials to meet the curriculum needs?

Management

- What are curriculum and instruction goals for each type of program?
- How should the curriculum be implemented to ensure that program goals are met?
- What education does a teacher need to be qualified to instruct students in each program?
- What assessments will students undergo to ensure that progress is being made throughout the program and that children are being adequately prepared for the next level of education?