Research should include
- selected types of programs
- Early Head Start
- Head Start
- center-based
- family day home providers
- half-day preschool
- school-based
- public-private partnerships (mixed delivery)
- corporate
- lab school
- faith-based
- a comparison of
- clients served
- instructional program (e.g., Montessori, High Scope)
- operational structure
- financial policies
- areas served.
Process/Skill Questions:
Thinking
- What criteria determine the choice of an early childhood education program? How do families prioritize specific criteria?
- How do American and other models of early childhood education around the world compare? What are the strengths of each?
- How can one determine the quality of a program?
Communication
- What should one do to demonstrate respect for families’ values?
- How does each curriculum lend itself to family involvement?
Leadership
- How is the influence of a curriculum on the development of the child assessed? How might it affect the family and the community?
- What essential elements of a curriculum should program leaders promote to the community?
- What skills are needed to run an effective early childhood program with appropriate funding, space, and materials?
Management
- What are curriculum and instructional goals for each type of program?
- What assessments measure children’s progress and preparation for further education?
- How can fair and equitable approaches be established in early childhood program delivery, including standards, assessments, curriculum, and personnel practices?