Top Trends

In 2021, 44 QIS included indicators for centers and 43 included indicators for FCCs. Below are two charts that summarize data on curriculum indicators, for centers and for FCCs. Thirty-eight QIS include indicators related to curriculum for centers and 36 QIS include indicators related to curriculum for FCCs in their QIS. 

Of the 38 QIS that included indicators related to curriculum for centers, the most common feature of those indicators was alignment with early learning guidelines (26 QIS). Other features included using assessment results to individualize curriculum, requiring training on curriculum, and embedding core competencies (16, 12, and 12 QIS, respectively). More than half of QIS (23) included other features of curriculum for centers, such as information on written curriculum plans or alignment with state standards.

For infants and toddlers in centers, the most common approved curricula were High Scope Infant/Toddler Curriculum (7 QIS) and Montessori (6 QIS). Over half of QIS reported a curriculum other than what was listed (23 QIS). For preschoolers, the most common curricula approved were the Creative Curriculum for Preschool (10 QIS) and High Scope Preschool Curriculum (9 QIS). Nearly three quarters of QIS reported a curriculum for preschoolers other than what was listed (27 QIS).

Of the 36 QIS that included indicators related to curriculum for FCCs, the most common features of those indicators were alignment with early learning guidelines (24 QIS), using assessment results to individualize curriculum (14 QIS), requiring training on curriculum (12 QIS), and embedding core competencies (12 QIS). Again, over half of QIS include other features of curriculum for FCCs (23 QIS).

The most common approved curricula for infants and toddlers in FCCs were the Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care (7 QIS), High Scope Infant/Toddler Curriculum (6 QIS), and a self-developed or bundled curriculum (6 QIS). More than half of QIS reported a curriculum other than what was listed (20 QIS). For preschoolers, the most common curricula approved were the Creative Curriculum for Preschool (9 QIS), self-developed or bundled curriculum (7 QIS), and High Scope Preschool Curriculum (6 QIS). More than half of QIS reported a curriculum for preschoolers other than what was listed (20 QIS).

The charts below depict the number of QIS that include each curriculum indicator in their standards for both centers and FCCs. Hover over each bar to see more details.