How to Review and Improve Your Current Curriculum - post

Why Reviewing Your Curriculum Matters

Curriculum is the #plan for what children learn and how they learn it. Over time, children’s needs change. Families change. Rules and standards may change too. That is why it is important to stop, look at your current curriculum, and make sure it is still working well.

Reviewing your curriculum helps you:

• Support children’s #growth-and learning 
• Improve #classroom experiences
• Meet state licensing or quality standards
• Feel more confident as an educator

You do not need to replace everything at once. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference.

Start by Understanding What You Already Use

Before making changes, take time to look closely at your current curriculum.

Ask yourself:

• What age group is this curriculum for?
• What skills does it focus on?
• How do children respond to it?
• What parts work well?
• What parts feel confusing or outdated?

You may want to gather:

• Lesson plans
• Daily schedules
• Learning standards
• Classroom activity plans 

This gives you a clear picture of where you are starting.

Check Alignment With Learning Standards

Most states have early learning standards. These explain what children should know and be able to do at each age.

When reviewing your curriculum, ask:

• Does it support language, #math, and thinking skills?
• Does it include social and emotional learning?
• Does it support physical #development?
• Does it meet state or program requirements?

If you are unsure how standards work, training can help.
The Lesson Planning for Preschoolers course from ChildCareEd is helpful for connecting curriculum to child development:

Look at How Children Are Learning

Children’s behavior and #engagement tell you a lot.

Watch for signs like:

• Children enjoying activities
• Children asking questions
• Children staying focused
• Children showing new skills

Also notice challenges, such as:

• Children losing interest quickly
• Activities being too hard or too easy
• Limited choice or creativity

Use observations to guide improvements. A curriculum should support active learning, not just worksheets or sitting still.

Listen to Teachers and Staff

Teachers use the curriculum every day. Their feedback is very important.

You can ask:

• Which activities work best?
• Which activities are hard to use?
• Are lesson plans easy to follow?
• Do teachers have enough flexibility?

Hold short meetings or use simple surveys. When #staff feel heard, they are more open to positive changes.

Training can also support #staff-skills. The ChildCareEd course curriculum planning can help teachers feel more confident using and adjusting curriculum:

Include Families in the Review Process

Families know their children well. Their input can improve your curriculum.

Ways to involve families include:

• Asking what children enjoy at home
• Learning about #cultural traditions
• Asking for feedback on communication and activities

A strong curriculum respects family values and supports diversity. Small changes, like adding books, songs, or materials from different cultures, can help children feel included.

Check for Balance and Variety

A strong curriculum includes different types of learning experiences.

Make sure there is balance between:

• Play and structured activities
• Indoor and #outdoor learning
• Quiet and active times
• Individual and group activities

Children learn best when they can move, explore, and make choices.

If you want ideas for planning balanced activities, the ChildCareEd course Role of Play in Learning is a great option.

Make Simple, Meaningful Improvements

Improving the curriculum does not mean starting over. Focus on small steps.

You might:

• Update lesson plans with new materials
• Add more open-ended questions
• Include more hands-on activities
• Adjust schedules to fit children’s needs
• Add social-emotional learning goals

Write down changes and try them for a few weeks. Then reflect again.

Use ChildCareEd Resources for Support

You do not have to do this work alone. ChildCareEd offers helpful tools and guidance.

A great place to start is the ChildCareEd Resource Center, which includes articles, guides, and professional tips.

You may also find this related article helpful:
The Essential Guide to Preschool Curriculum

These resources can help you feel confident as you review and improve your curriculum.

Create a Regular Review Plan 

Curriculum review should happen regularly, not just once.

You can:

• Review curriculum once or twice a year
• Set goals for improvement
• Track what changes work best
• Adjust based on new children or staff

Keeping notes and reflection journals can help you see progress over time.

Keep Learning and Stay Connected

Professional learning helps you grow as an educator. Following ChildCareEd on social media is an easy way to stay inspired and informed.

📘 Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook for tips, training updates, and educator support
Social media updates can remind you of new courses, articles, and ideas you can use right away.

Final Thoughts

Reviewing and improving your current curriculum is an important part of quality child care. By observing children, listening to teachers and families, checking standards, and making small improvements, you can create a learning plan that truly supports children’s growth.