Theory and Research

During the past 75 years, research has generated new information about childhood as a separate and distinct stage of life. Understanding early childhood theory and research is essential to knowing what children think and feel, and how you can help them become caring people and joyful learners.

The theory and research chapter of The Creative Curriculum® for Infants, Toddlers & Twos summarizes some of the major theories about children's development and learning. It then explains how The Creative Curriculum® helps your program put theory and research into practice.

  • Abraham Maslow--Basic needs and learning
  • T. Berry Brazelton, Stanley Greenspan--Seven specific needs that must be met for development and learning
  • Erik Erikson--The emotions and learning
  • Stanley Greenspan--Six milestones in emotional growth
  • Jean Piaget--Logical thinking and reasoning
  • Lev Vygotsky--Social interaction and learning
  • Research on attachment
  • Research on resiliency
  • Research on learning and the brain

Child development theory and scientific research findings also underlie The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool. They inform decision making, influence our view of children, and form the basis of all the recommendations that you'll find in the curriculum.

  • Abraham Maslow--Basic needs and learning
  • Erik Erikson--The emotions and learning
  • Jean Piaget--Logical thinking and reasoning
  • Lev Vygotsky--Social interaction and learning
  • Howard Gardner--Multiple intelligences
  • Sara Smilansky--Play and learning
  • Research on learning and resiliency
  • Research on learning and the brain

Not only is every aspect of The Creative Curriculum® based on sound developmental theory and evidence-based research, but a number of research studies have been conducted to validate its effectiveness.

Research Demonstrating The Creative Curriculum's Positive Effects on Classroom Quality and Children

While it is important that curriculum and assessment materials be based on the latest scientific research, it is equally important that these materials have a positive impact on child outcomes. Four rigorous independent studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool, two of which were part of the Preschool Curriculum Evaluation Research (PCER) project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Each found positive impacts ranging from improved classroom quality to stronger cognitive, academic, and social-emotional skills.

Assessment

In addition to measuring the impact of The Creative Curriculum® on child outcomes, we have evaluated the reliability and validity of our assessment tools: The Creative Curriculum® Developmental Continuum for Ages 3-5 and The Creative Curriculum® Developmental Continuum for Infants, Toddlers & Twos. Teachers use these assessment tools to effectively assess child progress and inform program planning.