My Personal Research Journey

I have started to research how and why different curriculums are chosen for the early childhood field. I would like to know what type of research is done and if teachers are considered during the process. Teachers spend the majority of the day with the children and in the agencies I have worked for, they are not given time daily for planning like in the public school. This will affect the way teachers complete paperwork on each child; not giving a true individual plan based on children’s needs. My 3 subtopics include how a curriculum is chosen, the proper or improper use of curriculums and what is expected of teachers when using different curriculums.

I chose these topics because I work with a curriculum that maybe good for the children in the classroom; however, it seems to be overwhelming for teachers and the work is not being done correctly. If the work is not being completed correctly it defeats the purpose of using the curriculum. Teachers need to be able to complete the work and submit data on a daily basis. If there is too much to do, teachers are just using one observation for an entire class. This is not creating a plan that is individualized for each child; so many children may not be receiving the instruction that they need for learning. I have also found that if teachers are completing paperwork correctly it is because they are doing it during teaching time and just allowing children to do what they want so they can jump on the computer to get work done. Either way the children are the ones who will suffer.

I have found a site that I think will help with my research process, but I have just really started exploring it. You can reach it here https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/eecd/Curriculum/Planning/HowToChooseaP.htm

I would love to hear any ideas, comments, or insights regarding curriculums and teachers so please leave comments.