Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be able to

  • Provide a definition of curriculum in early childhood special education (ECSE)
  • Describe the interrelated developmental domains and content areas of curriculum
  • Explain how curriculum has evolved in ECSE as a result of historical, legislative, and philosophical influences
  • Discuss the influence of various curriculum approaches on curriculum development for young children with delays or disabilities
  • Provide examples of well-known curriculum models with advantages and disadvantages of each and the applicability to young children with delays or disabilities
  • Describe Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), including the three components
  • Discuss the similarities and differences between DAP from general early childhood education (ECE) and recommended practices from ECSE
  • Explain a model for blending recommended practices from general ECE and ECSE
  • Describe a framework for curriculum development for young children with delays or disabilities
  • Provide examples of curriculum resources for young children with delays or disabilities