Which curriculum is described as developmentally appropriate programs that support active learning and progress in all developmental areas?

• A. Montessori
• B. Mechanistic Theory
• C. Preformationist Theory
• D. Creative Curriculum

Answer: (D)

Developmentally appropriate practice in preschool centers on designing experiences that match what children can do and need at this age, with active engagement that supports growth across all areas—social-emotional, physical, language and literacy, and cognitive development. The Creative Curriculum is built around this idea. It provides a flexible framework that emphasizes learning through play and hands-on experiences, guided by careful teacher planning and ongoing observation. It focuses on setting up rich learning environments and interest-driven activities, so children actively explore, question, and build new skills across all developmental domains. The approach also uses routines, assessment, and family involvement to tailor experiences to each child, ensuring progress across the whole spectrum of development. While Montessori also promotes active learning in a prepared environment, the description in this question aligns most closely with the Creative Curriculum’s emphasis on developmentally appropriate, comprehensive growth through active, inquiry-based learning. Mechanistic or preformationist theories describe older or different ideas about development and don’t capture the modern preschool curriculum approach described here.