National Association for the Education of Young Children's Program
The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC’s) Program Standards are helpful, research-based guidelines that support early learning programs in giving all children a strong start. They provide a clear foundation for creating high-quality, inclusive experiences where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. The NAEYC Standards offer clear, thoughtful definitions of what high-quality early childhood education looks like, helping families make informed and confident choices for their child’s early learning journey. These standards also support programs in creating safe, nurturing, and well-prepared environments where every child’s growth and love of learning are intentionally fostered.
To effectively support each child’s development and learning, educators must be well-equipped to implement individualized and intentional practices that address the unique needs of every child.
BGCC Director
Individualization means recognizing that every child is unique and has different needs, strengths, and learning styles. Educators should adapt their teaching methods, activities, and materials to meet the specific needs of each child.
Intentional practices involve making deliberate decisions about their teaching practices. It involves understanding child development, using effective teaching strategies, and adapting the approach based on what the teacher knows about the individual children they are working with. Educators should be deliberate and purposeful in their choices, selecting activities and materials that are appropriate for the children’s age, developmental level, and learning needs.
To implement individualized learning and intentional practices, teachers must regularly observe children’s behavior, interests and learning styles and use those observations to identify strengths and areas for growth. Children must feel valued, respected and included in the learning. Teachers must meet the diverse needs of learners by scaffolding activities. Teachers must also incorporate a variety of teaching methods such as small group activities, large group activities and one-on-one engagement.
What does this look like in a High Scope environment?
Active Participatory Learning: Through active, hands-on learning and reflection, children build knowledge that helps them understand their world. By supporting initiative, exploration, and problem-solving, HighScope teachers empower children to become confident, capable learners.
Learning Environment: HighScope teachers design engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments filled with open-ended, stimulating materials that support various types of movement and play. Materials are consistently organized and labeled with child-friendly signs, enabling children to find, use, and return items independently. This setup fosters responsibility and builds children’s confidence in managing their learning space.
Adult-Child Interaction: Adult-child interaction involves engaging with children through both verbal and nonverbal communication to support their learning. Effective strategies include sharing control, actively supporting play, offering encouragement rather than praise, and guiding children through conflict using problem-solving techniques.
Daily Routine: In HighScope programs, there is a consistent framework for the day that provides a balanced variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Children engage in both individual and social play, participate in small- and large-group activities, assist with cleanup, socialize during meals, develop self-care skills, and exercise their small and large muscles.
Assessment: Research shows that effective early childhood programs regularly assess teaching quality and student learning. HighScope provides assessment tools for children, classrooms, and programs to support this process. These tools help teachers observe play-based learning, tailor instruction, and guide program improvements and professional development to enhance outcomes for all children.
Family Engagement: The HighScope Curriculum emphasizes strong, trusting partnerships with families to support children’s learning and development. A key goal is to empower parents in their child’s education by providing resources that help educators actively engage families in the learning process.
