Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist
Quality preschool curriculum planning ensures intentional teaching across all developmental domains. This weekly planning checklist helps teachers verify that lessons address cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development per NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice standards and Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Weekly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Lead Preschool Teacher / Education Coordinator
- Total Items: 32
Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment
Verify learning objectives address required developmental domains.
- Cognitive/math/science objectives identified for the week?
- Language and literacy objectives included in weekly plan?
- Social-emotional learning objectives embedded throughout the week?
- Gross and fine motor development activities planned?
- Learning objectives aligned to state Early Learning Standards or preschool framework?
- Planned observations or assessments connected to learning objectives?
Learning Center Planning
Verify learning centers are planned with intentional materials.
- Materials for each learning center planned and connected to weekly theme/objectives?
- Open-ended materials included that support child-initiated exploration?
- Literacy center stocked with books, writing materials, and print resources tied to theme?
- Math manipulatives and activities planned that are hands-on and age-appropriate?
- Science discovery or sensory activity planned for the week?
- Dramatic play area updated with props connecting to weekly theme?
Read-Alouds and Literacy Integration
Verify quality literacy planning throughout the week.
- At least 3-5 quality picture books selected for read-alouds this week?
- Open-ended discussion questions planned for each read-aloud?
- Print concepts (left-to-right, letter recognition, words) addressed in literacy activities?
- Phonological awareness activities (rhyming, syllables, sounds) planned?
- Writing or mark-making opportunities embedded throughout the week?
Outdoor and Physical Activity Planning
Verify outdoor and movement activities are planned.
- Daily outdoor play scheduled (weather permitting, minimum 60 minutes)?
- Structured gross motor activity planned in addition to free outdoor play?
- Indoor movement break activities planned for inclement weather days?
- Fine motor activities (cutting, threading, writing) integrated throughout week?
- Physical literacy concepts (spatial awareness, balance, coordination) embedded?
Differentiation and Inclusion Planning
Verify plan supports all learners including those with IEPs.
- IEP goals for enrolled children with special needs embedded in lesson plans?
- Scaffolding strategies planned for children who need additional support?
- Extension activities planned for children who are ready for more complex work?
- Home language support planned for dual language learners?
- All planned materials accessible for children with physical disabilities?
Assessment and Documentation
Verify assessment and documentation plans.
- Specific children targeted for observation and documentation this week?
- Opportunities for portfolio work samples planned?
- System for capturing anecdotal notes during activities planned?
- Progress monitoring data collection planned for children on IEPs?
- Evidence to share with families about learning this week identified?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Preschool Classroom Morning Preparation
- Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment
- Preschool Circle Time and Group Activity Safety Check
- Preschool Outdoor Learning Environment Safety Check
- Infant Room Safe Sleep Daily Check
- Infant Daily Feeding and Diaper Log
- Infant Care Room Environment Safety Check
- Infant Developmental Milestone Tracking Checklist
Related Preschool Checklists
- Preschool Classroom Morning Preparation - FREE Download
- Preschool Child Developmental Progress Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Circle Time and Group Activity Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool Outdoor Learning Environment Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool Nap and Rest Time Safety Check - FREE Download
- Preschool IEP and Special Needs Accommodation Review - FREE Download
- Preschool Developmental Screening and Assessment Protocol - FREE Download
- Preschool Classroom Learning Environment Assessment - FREE Download
- Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Preparation and Documentation - FREE Download
- Preschool Daily Outdoor Learning and Recess Safety - FREE Download
Why Use This Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist?
This preschool weekly curriculum planning checklist helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead preschool teacher / education coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Learning Objectives and Standards Alignment, Learning Center Planning, Read-Alouds and Literacy Integration, Outdoor and Physical Activity Planning, Differentiation and Inclusion Planning, Assessment and Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Preschool Weekly Curriculum Planning Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Lead Preschool Teacher / Education Coordinator professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.