ALABAMA’S STANDARDS for Early Learning and Development ALABAMA’S STANDARDS for Early Learning and Development iv ALABAMA’S STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Introduction Introduction To all Alabama early childhood education professionals: Alabama is nationally recognized as a leader in early childhood education and remains committed to utilizing an equity lens in providing high-quality learning experiences and expanding access to early care and education programs for all children. We know that high quality early care and education is the cornerstone for a child’s later development. For twenty years, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education has been committed to developing a cohesive and comprehensive system of high- quality early learning and care. In partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education and the Department of Human Resources, and early childhood education experts from across the State we have built upon the previous edition that unified the Alabama Early Learning Guidelines and the Alabama Developmental Standards into single cohesive resource for early educators guiding the instruction of young children. Alabama’s Standards for Early Learning and Development (ASELDs) have been designed to reinforce the developmental continuum and to complement and coordinate with the Head Start Child Development and Learning Framework, Special Education, Part B and C, Home Visiting guidelines and the Alabama Courses of Study, Kindergarten through Second Grade. The standards offer adults who work with children a shared knowledge and understanding of children’s development along a continuum, enabling them to create culturally appropriate, individualized goals and work plans that support each child’s individual learning styles and abilities. The ASELDs serve as a resource with developmentally appropriate expectations of children’s skill mastery and suggested practices that support children’s learning. This collaborative effort represents diverse partners from Alabama state agencies, early educators, school administrators, and national organizations who engaged in this meaningful work that, as a result, sets our children up for great success through the highest quality early learning experiences. The path to educational and lifelong success starts with a solid foundation constructed in the first 5 years of life. When a child’s early education, care, and overall well-being are effectively supported, the foundation of young children’s success in school and through life is determined and wonderfully defined by a natural curiosity, sense of discovery and joy of learning. A world-class workforce begins with a world- class education system. The 2020 Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development (ASELDs) create a seamless continuum of developmental and learning expectations for Alabama children, birth to age 5 and a clear, consistent vision for ensuring all children realize their greatest potential. Thank you for the devotion to the work you do for Alabama’s children, their families, and our communities. Sincerely, Jeana Ross, Secretary ALABAMA’S STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT v Acknowledgments In November of 2018, Alabama early childhood Coming together professionals came together to revise and re-design the 2012 Alabama Development Standards for Preschool is a beginning; Children. Though spearheaded by the Alabama Department Keeping together is of Early Childhood Education, members of the Foundations progress; Working Committee were from agencies and organizations across the state. Members worked together to align practices together is success across all early learning programs, thereby promoting – HENRY FORD collaboration and consistency to create a document of shared expectations for the growth and development of all Alabama’s children, ages birth to 5. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education would like to express gratitude to all the committee members for their expertise, time and dedication to this work. Also, we would like to thank Susan Mitchell, for her role as a consultant, accessing resources and national experts, and editing and designing the document. Committee Gennifer Alexander Dr. Cora Causey Henry County Board of Education University of Alabama Jeannie Allen Dr. Barbara Cooper Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Melanie Baker Myra Davis Faulkner University First Class Pre-k Department of Human Resources Abigail Baxter Dr. Carol Donovan University of South Alabama University of Alabama Misty Blackmon Jane Douglas Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Montgomery Public School Amy Blakeney Jan Enstrom Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Early Alabama State Department of Education Intervention Shirley J. Farrell, PhD Sheila Bolling Troy University Alabama State Department of Education David M. Finn Jeanie A. Box Samford University Samford University Gay Finn Amy Bradley Alabama State Department of Education Childcare Resources Stephanie Frucci Amy Brakenhoff Alabama State Department of Education Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Julie Griffith Timtonya Bryant-Long Montgomery Public Schools Birmingham City Schools vi ALABAMA’S STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Introduction Introduction Cassie Harris Michelle Raybon Sumpter County Opportunity Head Start Smart Start Alabama Gidget Haslam Erin Reilly Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Auburn University Delyne Hicks Robbie Roberts James Rushton ELC Harris Early Learning Centers Holli Hicks ShunDria Robinson Pelham City Schools Department of Human Resources Tiffany Higginbotham Nedjra M. Russell Brain Pump Madison City Schools Lisa Highfield Kimberly Sharkins Alabama State Department of Education Montgomery Public Schools Dr. Kelly Hill Anita Shook University of Alabama Montgomery Public Schools Vanessa Hinton Cynthia Simpson Auburn University Pickens Co. Community Action Dr. William Hooper, IV Tara Skiles University of Montevallo Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Liletta Jenkins Dr. Trellis Smith Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education April Kendrick Dr. Suzanne Snow University of Alabama South Highland Child Development Center Dr. Cailin Kerch Dr. Jennifer Summerlin University of Alabama University of Alabama Dr. Lynn Kirkland Sharron Tomlinson University of Alabama Montgomery Public Schools Cecile Komara Dianna Tullier University of Alabama Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Susan Mitchell April Tyson Early Childhood Consultant Eufaula City Schools Dr. Barbie Norvell Laura Wildman Jacksonville State University Auburn University of Montgomery Julie Parks Denise Wilson Madison County Board of Education Alabama State Department of Education Andrea Phillip (Berryman) Joy Winchester Chambers County Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Nichole Phillips Patti Wood Madison City Schools Samford University Dallas Rabig Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education ALABAMA’S STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT vii Focus Groups During the drafting of the document, six focus groups were conducted across the State of Alabama. A special thank you is extended to the following for hosting these groups. We also want to extend a great deal of gratitude to all the participants that came to the focus group. Your feedback had a direct impact on the final product. Additionally, gratitude is extended to the dedication and leadership of the Alabama First Class Pre-k Region Directors that served as a focus group as well. Holly Glasgow Shelton State Delyne Hicks James Rushton Early Learning Center Deana Aumalis Early Learning Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville Dr. Barbie Norvell Jacksonville State University Gidget Haslam Dothan Dr. Leslie Cowell Faulkner University Special Recognition The development of a comprehensive standards document for the state of Alabama was the vision of Jeana Ross, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and Dr. Tracye Strichik, Senior Director of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Thank you for your leadership in bringing other agency leaders together to see this vision into reality. Gratitude is also extended to the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Leadership Team that saw this work from start to completion. Jeannie Allen Director of Innovative Projects and Assessments Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Publications or audiovisual media must include the following disclaimer: “The Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development was made possible by grant number 90TP0065-01-00. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.” [HHS Grants Policy Statement, page II-31]. Document completed on May 15th. This document is up for public review until July 15th. viii ALABAMA’S STANDARDS FOR EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Contents INTRODUCTION Purpose . 4 Alabama’s Standards Reflect How Children Learn. 6 Alabama’s Standards Embrace All Children . 10 Alabama’s Standards Guide Early Learning Professionals’ Practices ........12 Alabama’s Standards Use a New Design. .15 Alabama’s Standards Provide a Continuum .............................17 Alabama’s Domains of Learning . .20 Alabama’s Standards for Early Learning and Development Summary. .27 Alabama’s Guiding