
Curriculum Packages and Programs
Many family
daycare providers choose to use curriculum packages or programs,
rather than develop themes or lessons plans from scratch. We have been using Mother
Goose time for 3 years. The kids and the parents love it, we
add to it from time to time but I feel it fits my program well. I
also charge a registration fee each year and that more than
covers the cost of curriculum, toys and new equipment. Mother Goose is nice, but
much more of the cookie cutter type activities...everyone's
pretty much looks the same no matter what they do except for
color. Not too much variety or fingerplays and songs I didn't
think either. I used Mother Goose for
about 2 school years (August through May). I never renewed this
past August because I really only had 1 child who would benefit.
I kept the books however and geared my curriculum from there when
I needed ideas. It was really convenient and easy. I didn't
charge the parents. I used the Mother Goose
Time program for four years, and loved it. I discontinued it last
December. Since they are on a four year rotation, I have all the
books and ideas from all four years. I can use some of their
ideas in my own curriculum now. It worked really well for me when
I had older preschoolers, but now that my group is more mixed
(ages 1-5 right now) I found that I was doing a lot of the work
on the crafts myself. I've been using Funshine
Express for a while now and I like it because it covers more
areas than just crafts. I like some of the dramatic play ideas,
sensory & science ideas, etc. Some of the arts/crafts are too
crafty so I usually have to substitute something a little more
open ended. I too use the Funshine
Express Program and I love it! I chose to use it for all the
same reasons you are considering it....having everything you need
for a craft ready, save time, and they run its program thru the
summer too. I tried to do my own at first, but was spending too
much time, I felt, surfing for ideas. Also I was running here and
there trying to find where I would get the 'best deal' for craft
sticks and such. The kids love it and so do the parents. I do
charge the parents $10.00 a month for the program and then I make
up the additional cost I do Funshine Express, it
is great.. I have done others and my own I love funshine. I also
add and take away from all of them High Reach Learning,
They're curriculm is very academic based but you have to order
according to the age group you have. Last year I had all three
and four year olds so it was fine but this year I'm going to have
to go with one that is geared a little more towards younger
children I am going with Highreach
Learning. I used it a few years ago and had like it, but
thought it was expensive. After reviewing some others now, I
don't think it's too expensive and I really like the material.
They have different programs to choose, based on age groups. High Reach Curriculum
offers a base group for ages 3 and up. The activities can be
watered down for the younger crowd and added to and enhanced for
the older crowd! This way you can use your own creativity as well
as one all prepared in a box! Copyright 2004 ~Joni Levine
~KIDGURU
~Slk41
~Rberry41
~Ecn8
~Zersha
~Chelz3
~Pearlw
~Kellyw8
~Pattig2
~Judibee
Guidelines for Choosing a Preschool Curriculum
Compare and Evaluate Different Programs