We know that getting it right early is far more effective than trying to fix things later. That is why it is essential that early education and care programs are planful and knowledgeable about age-appropriate developmental experiences. Here you will find a set of guidelines and standards that seek to ensure that early education and care programs are working for a stable and healthy foundation for our children's development.

Guidelines for learning

Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers (Spanish)

A comprehensive view of the critical importance of developmentally appropriate experiences to children from birth. Designed for educators and program administrators in planning and evaluating curricula for infants and toddlers.

Also available: in print from the State Bookstore for $15.75 plus shipping (printed in black and white). Contact the bookstore for ordering information.

 

For teachers and program administrators planning and evaluating a curriculum. The Guidelines are based on the standards for PreK-K (or PreK-Grades 1-4) in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

 

A guide for teachers as they plan and provide diverse learning opportunities that help their students develop a solid foundation for more advanced learning and for life. This resource provides content-specific guidelines for kindergarten-level implementation of the subject material that are aligned and kindergarten-level interpretations of selected learning standards from the relevant Massachusetts Curriculum Framework, and suggested activities to implement those standards at the kindergarten level.

 

Assessment and Standards

Early Childhood Assessment presentations

Presentations about child assessment for parents, educators and administrators. Also, a document for parents and providers interested in child assessment practices, resources and web links.

 

These standards are for programs for three- and four-year olds. Many programs are required to comply with these standards.

Information provided by the Department of Early Education and Care. Updated: June 28, 2011.