This document will examine curriculum planning and purpose in the early childhood classroom. The definition of an integrated curriculum and the connection between curriculum and development in the preschool and kindergarten student will be discussed. The core content areas of child development will be outlined and defined and the developmental support provided to all content areas will be examined. Some of the reasons for maintaining a curriculum plan will be addressed, as well as the connections between assessment and curriculum. Curriculum planning will be demonstrated to be one of the most important tools in an early childhood educator's skillset. Curriculum is defined as an organized plan for implementing and completing a learning process (Brewer, 2007). The curriculum is written to conform to and support educational standards established by educational experts and professionals to ensure the child's full understanding of the subject; standards are generally set by a government body, such as a Board of Education or Department of Education for the country, state, or county in which school education takes place, and are designed to enhance student development. Within state education standards, for example, emphasis is placed on the five primary areas of development: social, physical, intelligence, cognitive, and emotional. Development goals in each of the five areas are emphasized not only individually, but also in relation to each other. Social development focuses on building appropriate relationships and behaviors in a group setting, while physical development is enhanced through outdoor play and activities that stress motor skills. A “Red Rover, Red Rover” game can be said to encompass both the soc...... middle of paper ...... and the connection between curriculum and early childhood development. The importance of curriculum planning and the purpose of curriculum in the early childhood classroom were briefly addressed. The main content areas of early childhood education were discussed and the importance of developmental assessment in these areas was communicated. In conclusion, curriculum planning is one of the most important aspects of an educator's role. Works Cited Brewer, J. A. (2007). Introduction to early childhood education: from nursery school to primary classes. New York: Allyn & Bacon.Dodge, D.T., Colker, L., & Heroman, C. (2008). The creative curriculum for nursery school. Washington, DC: Teaching Strategies, Inc. North Carolina Department of Education. (2004). NC Standard Course of Study. Raleigh, North Carolina. Retrieved from www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum