---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 1302.32"
title: "45"
number: "1302.32"
heading: "Curricula."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/1302.32"
---

# §1302.32. Curricula.

- (a) **Curricula.**
  - (1) Center-based and family child care programs must implement developmentally appropriate research-based early childhood curricula, including additional curricular enhancements, as appropriate that:
    - (i) Are based on scientifically valid research and have standardized training procedures and curriculum materials to support implementation;
    - (ii) **Are aligned with the <I>Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework—** Ages Birth to Five and, as appropriate, state early learning and development standards; and are sufficiently content-rich to promote measurable progress toward development and learning outlined in the Framework; and,
    - (iii) Have an organized developmental scope and sequence that include plans and materials for learning experiences based on developmental progressions and how children learn.
  - (2) A program must support staff to effectively implement curricula and at a minimum monitor curriculum implementation and fidelity, and provide support, feedback, and supervision for continuous improvement of its implementation through the system of training and professional development.
- (b) **Adaptation.** A program that chooses to make significant adaptations to a curriculum or a curriculum enhancement described in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section to better meet the needs of one or more specific populations must use an external early childhood education curriculum or content area expert to develop such significant adaptations. A program must assess whether the adaptation adequately facilitates progress toward meeting school readiness goals, consistent with the process described in § [1302.102(b)](/cfr/45/1302.102.md?p=b) and [(c)](/cfr/45/1302.102.md?p=c). Programs are encouraged to partner with outside evaluators in assessing such adaptations.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 61412, Sept. 6, 2016, unless otherwise noted.