Description
Developed by two respected research consultants for Early Head Start, this extensive curriculum takes a joyful activity-based approach to enhancing the development of infants and toddlers. Professionals and parents will get more than 350 photocopiable, easy-to-use activity sheets—divided into six age ranges between birth to three years —that build on each childs natural strengths and interests, recognize and expand on emerging developments, and encourage progress in areas of concern. This research-supported curriculum
- helps children progress in eight key areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, intellectual, discovery, social, self-help, and pretend
- promotes parent/professional collaboration as they choose goals for the child and support the childs progress
- recognizes each childs individuality by encouraging careful observation and reflection during goal selection
- uses—in many cases—materials readily available in most homes
- makes it simple and fun to track child progress with photocopiable goal sheets for recording objectives, goal charts for each age range, and corresponding stickers to celebrate accomplished goals
- is linked with the Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®)
Ideal for use in a variety of programs and settings, such as Early Head Start, center-based care, home visits, and parent education programs, this engaging and effective curriculum helps young children meet developmental goals and enhances their school readiness.
The curriculum includes:
- more than 350 photocopiable activity sheets
- goal sheets
- a goal chart for each age range
- six pages of stickers
- CD-ROM with all the activities, goal sheets, and goal charts
Reviews
Review by: Martha Staker, Director and Principal Investigator, Project EAGLE Community Programs University of Kansas Medical Center
"Raises the bar by defining how early educators can structure intentional experiences for infants and toddlers."
Review by: Monica Asher, Director, The Bryan Community Student/Child Learning Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
"A welcome addition to our student/parent program. The activities foster positive learning interaction between parent and child."
Review by: Alice Honig, Professor Emerita of Child Development, Syracuse University
"A useful source of specific activity ideas for caregivers and parents . . . always reminds the caregiver how important it is to stay close, observe, and interact in responsive, gentle ways with an infant."
Review by: Carolyn Edwards, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
"A versatile curriculum . . . readily understood and carried out by parents, home visitors, and center-based providers."
Review by: Julie Jones-Branch, Lecturer, Ruth Staples Child Development Lab, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
"A comprehensive curriculum that gives value to the learning process from birth . . . support[s] parents and educators in their quest to enhance children's learning potential."
Table of Contents
About the Authors
Preface
Acknowledgements
Section I. Getting to Know Beautiful Beginnings
- Introduction
- Infant and Toddler Development
- Using Beautiful Beginnings: An Individualized Program
Bibliography
References
Childrens Books
Childrens Music
Materials and Equipment List
Section II. Beautiful Beginnings Experiences
0–6 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
6–12 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
Self-Help
12–18 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
Self-Help
18–24 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
Self-Help
Pretend
24–30 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
Self-Help
Pretend
30–36 MonthsOverview Goals Chart
Communication
Gross Motor
Fine Motor
Intellectual
Discovery
Social
Self-Help
Pretend
CD-ROM Contents
About the Authors
About this CD-ROM
Blank Goals Sheet
Beautiful Beginnings Experiences & Overview Goals Charts
0–6 Months
6–12 Months
12–18 Months
18–24 Months
24–30 Months
30–36 Months