Curriculum
An evidenced-based, integrated, and comprehensive curriculum, when fully implemented, makes it easier and more efficient for teachers to engage in sensitive, responsive, and cognitively stimulating teacher-child interactions.
VPI Guidelines Section 1: Providing a Quality Preschool Education
To improve kindergarten readiness in Carroll County, all Pre-K programs will provide high-quality teacher-child interactions and instruction.
Currently, Carroll County currently uses "Our World of Learning" (OWL), a vetted, evidence-based curriculum that is aligned with Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS) Birth-Five Learning Guidelines.
However, this curriculum has been retired and the Curriculum Adoption Team will be receiving support from VDOE with adopting another curriculum as outlined below.
Pre-K teachers utilize Letterland for phonemic awareness and phonics instruction.
To meet the social and emotional needs of students, Pre-K teachers use the Al's Pals curriculum.
The PALS Pre-K, VKRP, and the curriculum assessments are used to monitor and evaluate student's progress and kindergarten readiness.
Carroll County Pre-K students have access to speciality classes at all locations.
Desired Outcomes
Carroll County Pre-K Teachers will use a vetted, evidence-based curriculum that is aligned with Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS) Birth-Five Learning Guidelines.
Action Steps
Develop a Curriculum Review Team. Review the vetted, evidenced-based curriculum choices. Choose a curriculum.
Create checklist to clarify expectations for curriculum implementation, including use of ongoing assessment in addition to PALS Pre-K. 3.
Observe curriculum implementation and gather data to improve the curriculum implementation process.
Carroll County Pre-K teachers will implement their chosen curriculum with fidelity to promote children’s learning and development.
Action Steps
Carroll County's will provide at least 8 hours of introductory training, access to curriculum materials, implementation support, and coaching.
Program leaders will be fully versed in the curriculum, and
the divisions will provide curriculum experts who can provide ongoing training and support.
Carroll County Pre-K teachers will use assessments to individualize their instruction to meet the needs of their students.
Action Steps
Pre-K will use the Pre-K PALS assessment, once in the Fall and once in the Spring, to guide instruction in early literacy and language development.
Pre-K teachers will administer the VKRP, once in the Fall and once in the Spring, to assess children's Kindergarten Readiness Skills. VKRP measures mathematics, self-regulation, and social skills.
Pre-K teachers will receive introductory training to understand the administration process, how to use the data, and how to communicate the results to families.