A curriculum is the course of study offered in a classroom. It is a series of planned educational experiences. Early childhood curricula vary greatly. Some are broad curricular frameworks that allow much flexibility for teachers to determine activities and opportunities for children, taking their interests into account, while others offer specific activities at specific times of the day or year, centered on specific themes. Many have a scope and sequence of skills and activities and/or expected child outcomes.

Remember that curriculum does not have to be commercially published to be considered appropriate. Many times directors are able to research curricula and find a combination of items that meets the needs for their programs.