The best early childhood programs are informed by theory that provides a solid foundation. Basing a program on trusted theories ensures that the aims of the program are effective and the practices have a positive impact on every child. What is a theory in the context of early childhood education? A theory evolves from a set of ideas that are supported by a substantial amount of evidence.] evolves from a set of ideas that are supported by a substantial amount of evidence. These theories go through repeated scientific inquiry and testing. Theories are different from a philosophy, which also is a useful way to organize knowledge about children’s development but is not based on empirical evidence. Theories provide an explanation on a specific phenomenon, and as such, developmental theories explain different aspects of how children develop.

In early childhood education, theories about child development are used to decide how to carry out program approaches. Program approaches are practices and philosophies that a program uses to guide their teaching and learning.] are practices and philosophies that a program uses to guide their teaching and learning. This is one way that early childhood educators can ensure high quality programs for children and families. High-quality ECE programs turn to child development theory to create effective learning environments for children. For example, child development theory indicates that children learn best through action, engaging in a concept using their five senses. On the other hand, adults have the ability to learn from reading a text or watching a video.

Because of child development theory, we know for sure that the very best way for young children to learn is with hands-on methods. If a person designs a program with this in mind, then that program is rooted in child development theory. That means that if a teacher wants children to learn about the parts of a pumpkin, then she will give the children pumpkins, cut them up, and let the children explore the parts rather than showing them a video about pumpkins. The teacher does it this way because the program has committed to basing their practice on theory.

Attributions

1. Figure 2.1: Preschoolers play with trains by Allison Shelley for EDUimages is released under CC BY-NC 4.0