Curriculum, Assessment & Screening

The Parent Child Center uses the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos and the Creative Curriculum for Preschool.

In our application of developmentally appropriate practice, we have sought to highlight the important balance between applying a general knowledge of child development the particular knowledge a teacher gains by forming a relationship with each child and family. We have also incorporated new information about the content in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts and technology that preschool children can and should learn. The curriculum describes each subject area and shows how to teach it in ways that support children’s academic progress while respecting the way they grow and develop.

—The authors of the Creative Curriculum

Assessment

The Parent Child Center believes that authentic, ongoing assessment of children is a key to planning appropriate early childhood learning experiences and helping all children succeed. The PCC using the GOLD system of assessment. Teaching staff observe the children on an ongoing basis recording their observations. These observations are used to determine the developmental milestones that children are meeting and to plan activities and curriculum. The GOLD assessment is endorsed by Washington State’s Department of Early Learning and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as the kindergarten readiness assessment known as WAKIDS. 

Screening

Upon enrollment in the program parents complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ is a questionnaire designed to help parents check their child’s development. Parents and teaching staff use the results of the ASQ to talk about any concerns they may have about their child’s development.  Early diagnosis and treatment of development can help give a child the best opportunity to reach his/her full potential.