Australian Developmental Curriculum

Key procedures for implementation of a developmental curriculum

 

These processes for implementing a developmental curriculum are strongly recommended. Implementing the developmental curriculum in order to sustain the approach and to link the approach with state curriculum expectations requires careful thought, understanding, time and ongoing support.

Ongoing Mentoring and supports
Schools that work with Kathy and her colleagues use a mentor/coaching model where ongoing support, ideas and strategies are provided as teachers implement the approach.

The importance of leadership support and understanding
As much as possible, it is important to have the leadership of the school supportive and understanding of the approach.

Understanding of philosophy
Clarity of direction
Rationale for change
Timeline for implementation and strategies
Commitment to the philosophy
Support from leadership

Professional Development
A series of discussions is highly recommended in order to avoid the recipe approach of other programs that come and go. The developmental curriculum is based upon a philosophy and curriculum and is not just about adding to an existing framework. It involves discussion and revisiting of research and understanding about children’s development and learning and teaching.

Discussion of values and beliefs about children and learning and teaching
Consideration of implications re curriculum topics, reporting and assessment, timetabling, etc
Introduction and overview of Developmental curriculum

Suggested professional development sessions
Overview of a developmental curriculum alongside state frameworks
Implications of child development /Child development theory
Planning and implementing a developmental curriculum P-2
What a day looks like in the approach
Linking literacy and numeracy
Integrating the curriculum
Assessment
Reporting
Observation: developmental domains
Role of and planning implications for Specialist teachers
Integrated curriculum: what happens to it?
Literacy and numeracy how does it fit?
Play based curriculum-types of play
Working effectively with parents
Setting up of classrooms
Resources and budget considerations

Working with and informing parents
During the process of implementation it is helpful to have parents informed about the approach and to help them understand what is involved. Kathy and her colleagues are able to provide these parent presentations at schools.

For further information please contact Kathy Walker via e mail

Kathy’s new book on developmental curriculum is called Play Matters Australian Developmental curriculum and is available through her website and through Lady Gowrie Children’s Centre Carlton Victoria.

Copyright: Kathy Walker Australian Developmental Curriculum 2008. ^TM