All LYFE classrooms implement The Creative Curriculum, which promotes developmentally appropriate practices that respond to children’s strengths, interests, and needs. Teachers balance intentional planning and facilitation with a flexibility to respond to the changing interests and/or abilities of the children. Teachers also orient parents to the curriculum so they are aware of the learning experiences their children will be engaged in daily, as well as to support families in extending learning at home.

Assessment is a continuous, ongoing process that identifies children’s developmental progress. LYFE utilizes GOLD, an online assessment system aligned to the curriculum. GOLD fosters individual child assessment of over 30 objectives for development and learning. As a result, teachers are able to engage in data-driven  planning for both individual and groups of children. Classroom staff involve families in the assessment process by reviewing and discussing the data gathered, as well as ways to extend learning experiences at home.

Screenings capture a glimpse of a child’s developmental status. LYFE utilizes the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) - a valid and reliable developmental screening for children from one month to 5 ½ years. It is a tool parents complete in collaboration with LYFE staff, fostering and strengthening family and caregiver partnerships. Scores from the questionnaires help staff and parents identify potential concerns so that developmental delays can be prevented and/or more focused services can be provided.