Berkeley County Schools adopts Creative Curriculum for preschool program

During the recent Board of Education meeting held on April 21, 2025, Berkeley County Schools discussed the adoption of new instructional materials for pre-kindergarten staff. This meeting was crucial as it addressed the legal requirement for the district to formally adopt these materials, which are designed to enhance teaching practices for early childhood education.

The presentation highlighted the process undertaken by the adoption committee, which included participation in state webinars and vendor showcases. The committee evaluated seven vendors before narrowing the choices down to three, ultimately recommending the Creative Curriculum for Preschool by PG Strategies, LLC. This curriculum has been previously utilized in Berkeley County and is recognized as one of the most widely used preschool curricula across the United States.

Key features of the Creative Curriculum include a blend of print and online resources, offering teaching guides for various investigative units that engage young learners. Topics such as walls, trees, and sand are designed to spark children's natural curiosity and promote inquiry-based learning. The curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices, focusing not only on foundational academics but also on social, emotional, physical, and creative development.

Teachers expressed their appreciation for the curriculum's flexibility, allowing them to adapt lesson plans based on children's interests. For instance, if students show curiosity about insects during outdoor play, educators can seamlessly integrate that interest into their lesson plans. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for accommodating the diverse developmental levels of children aged three to five.

The meeting also referenced a recent independent study indicating that the implementation of the Creative Curriculum, coupled with professional development, significantly improved teacher retention rates by 54%. Additionally, the study reported positive growth outcomes for students, particularly those without learning disabilities.

In summary, the Board of Education's discussions on adopting the Creative Curriculum underscore a commitment to enhancing early childhood education in Berkeley County. The anticipated next steps include finalizing the adoption process and ensuring that all pre-k teachers are equipped with the necessary resources to implement the curriculum effectively. This initiative reflects a broader effort to support the educational needs of young learners in the community.