How to Choose a Preschool Curriculum
December 1, 2025
As a preschool curriculum sets out what and how children learn it is a critical tool for ensuring that every young child receives a high-quality early education that builds on the strengths and meets the needs of each child and family. The choice of a preschool curriculum is a decision that falls to early childhood leaders and administrators in both the public and private sectors. This brief supports their curriculum decision making with a brief introduction to what curriculum is, why it matters, and key issues to consider when selecting a preschool curriculum. It concludes with a short, practical checklist of important considerations for use by any decision maker.
The Authors
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.
About NIEER
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, conducts and disseminates independent research and analysis to inform early childhood education policy.
Suggested Citation
Barnett, W.S. & Espinosa, L.M. (2025). How to choose a preschool curriculum. Policy Brief. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research.