Child Curation Collection

Engaging and educational opportunities for young children to learn and explore, promoting creativity, social interaction, and cognitive development.
*Organized by type: Curriculum & Programs*

Curriculum Curation Items:

- Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies

https://teachingstrategies.com

The Creative Curriculum supports infants through transitional kindergarten using a whole-child approach that builds social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills while introducing literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts. It also uses project-based investigations so children can explore and apply learning through hands-on, meaningful experiences.
The Creative Curriculum aligns with NAEYC Standard 5 by helping teachers use content knowledge to plan meaningful, appropriately challenging learning. Its resources also align with state early learning guidelines, the Head Start ELOF, and ECEAP Performance Standards—supporting compliance while keeping a whole-child focus.

The Creative Curriculum promotes authentic learning by integrating art, music, dance, storytelling, and imaginative play into daily experiences. It is also developmentally appropriate: teachers can adapt goals, activities, and support to each child’s needs and interests.


- Second Step Curriculum

https://www.secondstep.org/curriculum/early-learning

Second Step is a comprehensive, evidence-based PreK–12 curriculum that supports behavior, belonging, and readiness to learn. Used in more than 45,000 schools, it helps build student engagement, academic motivation, and social-emotional skills across classrooms and districts. The program also supports both universal instruction and targeted intervention for students with diverse needs.

Second Step supports developmentally appropriate practice by building social-emotional skills, empathy, problem-solving, self-regulation, and academic success. Its lessons are designed to be relevant and meaningful for children’s development while giving educators a clear framework for planning learning experiences that match students’ needs and goals through meaningful, authentic learning opportunities.


Program/Organization Curation Items:


- ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) Preschool

https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/find-child-care/eceap

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) is Washington’s state-funded preschool program for children ages 3–4. Enrollment is prioritized by age, family income, and other qualifying factors, and the program is free for families at or below 36% of the State Median Income (SMI). ECEAP is inclusive of children with developmental delays and accommodation needs.

ECEAP provides early learning along with health, nutrition, and family support services to prepare children for kindergarten. Delivered through community-based programs, it is modeled after Head Start and emphasizes families as children’s first teachers.
Overall, ECEAP strengthens early learning quality and supports the well-being of children and families.
ECEAP aligns with NAEYC standards, the Washington ELDG’s, the WAC’s, and developmentally appropriate practice by promoting high-quality early learning that meets children where they are through authentic learning opportunities. Its performance standards emphasize achievable, appropriately challenging goals, family engagement, evidence-based and culturally relevant curricula, and ongoing professional development—supporting caring learning communities and reciprocal relationships with families.


- King County (Public) Library System

https://kcls.org/


The King County Library System (KCLS) offers programs and resources that engage children, build early literacy, and nurture a love of reading. Its offerings support developmentally appropriate, authentic learning for children of all ages and abilities.

KCLS offers Story Times in person and online, with stories, songs, rhymes, and interactive activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and families. Options include Baby Story Time, Family Story Time, Pajama Story Time, and multilingual sessions in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Hindi, and other languages. Families can also use the Tell Me a Story online resource for archived rhymes and songs and borrow Books to Grow On (BTGO) kits, which are themed collections of books, music, and videos available through the library catalog. Lending and participation is free with a valid library card.


- Kids Quest

https://www.kidsquestmuseum.org/about-us/

KidsQuest Children’s Museum is an interactive, hands-on museum in downtown Bellevue that promotes learning through play, with a strong emphasis on STEAM. It serves children from birth to age 10 with developmentally appropriate activities and exploration, along with some older children through select programs and family activities.

The museum offers a sensory-rich space where children can explore, experiment, and solve problems through play and open-ended, authentic learning opportunities. Its exhibits combine creativity, movement, and discovery; highlights include the Water Zone for hands-on physics learning and the Atrium Climber for active, imaginative play.

- Seattle Children’s Hospital Programs

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/a-z/

Seattle Children’s Hospital offers a range of inclusive programs and services that support children’s health and well-being. Key offerings include the Neurodevelopmental Clinic, Seattle Children’s Autism Center, and community fundraising efforts that help advance family-centered care and lifesaving research.

These services provide coordinated care and support for children and families. They also equip families and caregivers with individualized resources, education, and classes that promote authentic learning and developmental growth for children of all abilities and diagnoses.


- Seattle Parks and Recreation

https://www.seattle.gov/parks

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) offers licensed child care, preschool, and recreation programs for children, along with support services that help families access them. Core programs include after-school care for children ages 5–12, School Break Camps, the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP), and Nature Kids’ Preschool. SPR also provides scholarships, child care subsidies, specialized and adaptive recreation, and transportation from Seattle Public Schools to care sites for eligible students.