Resources

This resource from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education outlines the elements of quality in kindergarten programs that research and practice show are critical to young children’s development and successful learning.

The elements of high quality kindergarten include:

• Learning Environment;
• Curriculum;
• Instruction;
• Assessment of Children;
• Leadership & Professional Development;
• Family Engagement; and
• Assessment of Program Quality

The document is organized into sections on each of these seven elements. It provides a definition for each element, indicators of quality, followed by a rationale and/or the research for why and how it impacts children’s outcomes.