ECPC Curriculum Modules: Professional Standards

Standard 5: Application of Curriculum Frameworks in the Planning and Facilitation of Meaningful Learning Experiences

The purpose of this module is to introduce the Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators (EI/ECSE) Standard 5. The learning resources provided are designed to be used in both pre-service and in-service to facilitate the integration of the knowledge and skills addressed by this standard.

Standard 5: Candidates collaborate with families and professionals to use an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive early childhood curriculum addressing developmental and content domains. Candidates use curriculum frameworks to create and support universally designed, high-quality learning experiences in natural and inclusive environments that provide each child and family with equitable access and opportunities for learning and growth.

Components:

5.1 Candidates collaborate with families and other professionals in identifying an evidence-based curriculum addressing developmental and content domains to design and facilitate meaningful and culturally responsive learning experiences that support the unique abilities and needs of all children and families.

5.2 Candidates use their knowledge of early childhood curriculum frameworks, developmental and academic content knowledge, and related pedagogy to plan and ensure equitable access to universally designed, developmentally appropriate, and challenging learning experiences in natural and inclusive environments.

Note:  The Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators (EI/ECSE) standards and components use the term candidate to refer to preservice students in higher education programs. For the purpose of these modules, the term will be maintained in the EI/ECSE standard and component statements.  The term learner will be used in the support materials and resources.

Purpose

The purpose of this module is to: (a) identify what learners should know and be able to do specific to Standard 5: Application of Curriculum Frameworks in the Planning and Facilitation of Meaningful Learning Experiences and its components, (b) provide higher education faculty and PD providers with a variety of learning resources for this standard, and (c) identify the relationship of these resources to adult learning practices.  It is designed to be used flexibly for preservice and ongoing professional development.

Objectives

After engaging with these resources, IHE faculty and PD providers will be able to:

  • Identify learner outcomes specific to the application of curriculum frameworks in the planning and facilitation of meaningful learning experiences.
  • Identify resources to integrate into the higher education curriculum and/or content for PD.
  • Identify the relationship of the resources with evidence-based practices for adult learners.

Topics

Each of the standards has two or more components that further describe what is meant by the standard for a total of 27 components across the seven standards. This section identifies, what learners should know and be able to do based on that component to facilitate positive outcomes for children and families.

Component 5.1 Learners collaborate with families and other professionals in identifying an evidence-based curriculum addressing developmental and content domains to design and facilitate meaningful and culturally responsive learning experiences that support the unique abilities and needs of all children and families.

Component 5.2 Learners use their knowledge of early childhood curriculum frameworks, developmental and academic content knowledge, and related pedagogy to plan and ensure equitable access to universally designed, developmentally appropriate, and challenging learning experiences in natural and inclusive environments.

Sample Syllabi, Learning Activities, and Practicum Application

Sample Syllabi

This sample syllabus provides ideas for resources, activities, readings, and assignments, aligned with the Initial Practice-based Professional Preparation Standards for Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators (2020) and DEC Recommended Practices (2014).  Consider state and university policies and add them as appropriate.  This is a sample only and is not a complete syllabus; nor is it intended to suggest that the Standard would be addressed in only one course in the curriculum.

Standard 5 – Sample Syllabus 2025

Learning Activities

The projects or assignments require learners to apply the practices/skills related to Standard 5: Application of Curriculum Frameworks in the Planning and Facilitation of Meaningful Learning Experiences. Since these are application activities, they most align with the evidence-based practices for adult learners of authentic learning, reflection, guidance, performance feedback, and follow-up activities. The sample learning activities are organized by the two Components for Standard 5.

Practicum Application

The Practicum Applications are examples of learning experiences designed to promote knowledge and skill development for each component of each standard. They are intended to be idea prompts for field-based assignments for preservice and professional development, and adapted as needed.

The Practicum Applications:

  • Should be incorporated across the curriculum and within each standard,
  • Represent the age range from birth through five,
  • Are sequenced from observation and reflection to implementation of practices with supervision,
  • Should be implemented across home, school, and community settings.

Case Study & PD Guides

Case Study: The annotated case study provides discussion questions and resources.

Standard 5 – Case Study 2025

PD Guides: These guides provide sample outlines for professional development content related to the standard and its components.

Multimedia Illustrations

Application to Evidence-Based Practices for Adult Learners: The videos and video vignettes can be used primarily to demonstrate a practice/topic/concept and thus, align with the evidence-based practice for adult learners of illustration. Some are informational and relate to the practice of introduction.

Resources

Several different types of resources are included in this section of the module to support the development of knowledge and practices in partnering with families.

Websites - Provide information and resources related to the Standard and Components.

Learning Modules - The modules related to the Standard which can be used in their entirety or by selecting sections or content that support the objectives of an IHE course or PD content. The evidence-based practices for adult learners will vary based on the module selected.

Glossary - Key terms used in Standards and Components. The references and resources in addition to being the source(s) for that definition may also provide additional background information specific to the use of that term in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education.

References – Supporting literature and resources which may be assigned as readings for pre-service and in-service learners and most align with the introduction of evidence-based practice for adult learners.

Contact Us

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-5 pm (EST)
Phone: 860-679-1500
Email: ecipc@uchc.edu

The Exchange Building #4
270 Farmington Ave., Suite 181
Farmington, CT 06030

Follow Us

Join Our Mailing List

Please enter your name.
Please enter a message.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive emails from ECIPC: You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

The Early Childhood Intervention Personnel Center (ECIPC) awarded to the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, was made possible by Cooperative Agreement # H325C220003 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs for the period 2022 to 2025. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © All rights reserved.