Module 7: Curriculum & Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Curriculum & Developmentally Appropriate Practice

At Peas in a Pod, we do not babysit. We educate. Every interaction, every activity, every moment in our classrooms is intentional — designed to support each child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

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Our Curriculum Philosophy

We follow a play-based, child-centered curriculum framework aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (ELDS). Learning happens through exploration, discovery, and meaningful relationships — not worksheets and rote memorization.

Developmental Domains We Address Daily

• Cognitive Development: Problem-solving, critical thinking, early literacy and numeracy

• Language and Communication: Vocabulary building, listening skills, early reading readiness

• Social-Emotional Development: Self-regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, friendship skills

• Physical Development: Fine motor skills (writing, cutting, manipulatives) and gross motor (outdoor play, movement)

• Creative Arts: Music, movement, visual arts, dramatic play

Weekly Planning Requirements

Every lead teacher must submit a weekly lesson plan by Friday at 3:00 PM for the following week. Lesson plans must include:

• Learning objectives aligned to Florida ELDS standards

• Circle time activities and read-aloud selections

• Center activities for each learning area

• Outdoor/gross motor activities

• Family engagement component

Child Observation and Documentation

Ongoing observation is the foundation of responsive teaching. You must document each child's developmental progress monthly through anecdotal notes, photos, and work samples collected in their learning portfolio.

"When you observe a child mastering a new skill, you are witnessing a giant taking its first steps. Document it. Celebrate it. Share it with their family."