Early Learning Foundations Guiding Principles and Practices
Early Learning Foundations Programs incorporate the QUAD principles. The four principles, referred to by the acronym "QUAD", stand for Quality, Universally Inclusive, Accessible preschool and childcare that is based on a framework for learning that reflects Developmentally Appropriate practice for learners in their preschool years.
The Guiding Principles and Practices for program delivery suggest teaching strategies and activities that meet the needs of children in a relevant, developmentally appropriate manner.
Early Learning Foundation Programs:
- Have play-based learning with curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and relevant to the child
- Meet the needs of all children and their families within the structure of the program
- Respect diversity in all aspects of the child’s environment
- Encourage family involvement
- Meet the requirements of all licensing guidelines and policies
- Have resources to identify “at risk” children and suggest appropriate supports to children and their families, and
- Have connections to community resources for children and their families
Early Learning Foundations Programs focus on the overall development of the child including:
Emotional Development
Preschool settings are structured so children feel psychologically safe and secure. Early learning programs attend to the development of a child’s emotional needs.
Social Development
Children learn through social interaction with adults and other children. Early Learning Foundations teachers foster and extend relationships through support, guidance and facilitation of learning through play and social interaction.
Physical Devlopment
Children learn best when their physical needs are met and they are provided with opportunities for active play and periods of quiet restful activity. Early Learning Foundations Programs provide many opportunities for structured and unstructured play.
Intellectual (Cognitive) Development
Children construct knowledge as a result of dynamic interactions between the people around them and the physical and social environment. They construct hypothesis, test them and then adjust continually to new knowledge. Children’s interests and "need to know" motivate their learning. Children need to have opportunities to make sense of their experiences and at the same time have opportunities to extend and expand their learning. Early Learning Foundations programming supports cognitive development.
Language Development
The early years of life are critical to developing the skills and habits of literacy. Experiences with language both oral and written provide the Foundations that children need to be successful in school. Early Learning Foundations Programs model good language and listening skills, provide opportunities for children to develop receptive and expressive language skills and encourage communication.
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