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Early Childhood Educational Approaches for Parents and Teachers 2025: Other

Descriptions and resources related to many of the popular early childhood educational approaches.

Introduction

There are many other approaches to early childhood education in the world. Below are some brief descriptions and links to other growing philosophies.

Head Start

Head Start programs are designed for children ages birth to five, and the children are supported through early learning, development, health, and family well-being services. These programs are federally funded and designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. 


 

HighScope

HighScope schools offer a play-based curriculum where teachers support students by guiding, questioning, and supplying materials. Students are encouraged to make choices, follow through on their choices, and then reflect on their choices. Active involvement with people, materials, events, and ideas is at the core of HighScope.

Language Immersion

Language immersion schools offer students the opportunity to become proficient in a second language, or a target language. Different language immersion programs provide daily instruction in different ways. Some may use the "sink or swim" approach where the only the target language is used in instruction, and others may use the primary language and target language for different parts of instruction. The most commonly offered target languages at language immersion schools are Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Primrose

Developed in 1982, Primrose is an American early childhood model of education. It combines earlier educational philosophies with more modern research findings. Teachers introduce lessons and provide integrated learning experiences so multiple subjects are presented within one lesson. Students are grouped by age, maintain a daily schedule, and are offered exploration times at workstations.