Academically we use the guidelines set by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC, naeyc.org ). We use the CA Department of Education’s curriculum framework, The California Preschool Learning Foundations and California Preschool Curriculum Frameworks. Promoting the use of Developmentally Appropriate Practices, which can be applied to a variety of teaching tools (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, project-based, play-based, cooperative and spiritual-based).
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is an approach to teaching grounded in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP involves teachers meeting young children where they are, both as individuals and as part of a group and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals. It is also the foundation for all of NAEYC's work including—publications, training programs, conferences, accreditation of child care programs, and more.