Theories & Theorists
This theorist developed a hierarchy of needs.
Who is Abraham Maslow?
This term refers to two-way communication between educators and families.
What is family engagement?
Children must wash hands for at least this many seconds.
What is 20 seconds?
This law ensures services for children with disabilities starting at birth.
What is IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)?
This type of curriculum emerges from children's interests and ideas.
What is emergent curriculum?
Erikson’s stage for early childhood focuses on this developmental conflict.
What is initiative vs. guilt?
This practice involves respecting the child’s background and incorporating it into learning.
What is culturally responsive teaching?
This term refers to keeping children safe from harm and injury.
What is childproofing or safety supervision?
This document outlines services for children aged 3-5 with special needs.
What is an IEP (Individualized Education Program)?
These are broad statements of what children should know and be able to do.
What are learning standards?
This theorist emphasized the importance of early relationships and psychosocial development.
Who is Erik Erikson?
These events bring families into the learning environment for shared experiences.
What are family engagement nights or family learning events?
This routine check includes examining a child’s skin, eyes, and behavior upon arrival.
What is a daily health check?
This strategy adapts materials and instruction to meet all learners' needs.
What is differentiation?
This curriculum framework is often used for planning in early childhood programs.
What is The Creative Curriculum or HighScope?
According to Bronfenbrenner, this is the most immediate system influencing a child.
What is the microsystem?
The first and most important teachers in a child’s life.
Who are parents or guardians?
This emergency procedure is used when a child is not breathing.
What is CPR?
Using visuals, gestures, and simple language supports this type of learner.
What is an English language learner (ELL)?
This intentional teaching tool involves using materials to provoke curiosity and inquiry.
What is a learning invitation or provocation?
This learning theory focuses on the influence of rewards and punishments.
What is behaviorism?
This type of partnership fosters mutual respect and shared goals between educators and families.
What is a collaborative partnership?
This plan is used to prepare for events like fire, lockdown, or severe weather.
What is an emergency preparedness plan?
This approach means that all children, regardless of ability, learn together.
What is inclusion or inclusive education?
These are the national standards that outline quality indicators for early childhood programs.
What are NAEYC standards?