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Teaching Strategies, LLC: Unlocking Early Ed Success in 2026 š
Imagine transforming your early childhood classroom into a vibrant, connected learning community where every childās curiosity sparks meaningful growthāand where teachers feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Thatās exactly the promise behind Teaching Strategies, LLC, a powerhouse in early childhood education that has quietly revolutionized how millions of children learn and how educators teach.
Did you know that over 90% of Head Start programs nationwide rely on Teaching Strategiesā ecosystem? Or that programs using their tools see a remarkable 54% improvement in teacher retention? In this article, we peel back the curtain on their acclaimed curriculum, assessment, family engagement, and professional development tools. From real-world success stories to expert tips on overcoming implementation challenges, weāll guide you through everything you need to know to harness this comprehensive system for your classroom or program.
Curious how a simple photo snapped during playtime can transform your lesson planning? Or how digital tools can turn parents into your strongest allies? Keep readingāyour journey to early education excellence starts here.
Key Takeaways
- Teaching Strategies, LLC offers a fully integrated ecosystem combining curriculum, assessment, professional development, and family engagement to support whole-child learning.
- Their flagship tools include The Creative CurriculumĀ® for play-based learning and GOLDĀ®, a leading authentic assessment system.
- Family engagement is a standout strength, with platforms like ReadyRosie⢠and Tadpoles® fostering seamless home-school connections.
- Programs using Teaching Strategies report significant improvements in teacher retention and child outcomes.
- Successful implementation requires phased training, technology readiness, and strong leadership support.
- Whether youāre a teacher, administrator, or parent, this system offers tailored tools to elevate early learning experiences.
Ready to explore the tools that can transform your classroom? Check out the official resources for The Creative CurriculumĀ® and Teaching Strategies GOLDĀ® to get started!
Table of Contents
- ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts
- š Unveiling Teaching Strategiesā¢: A Journey Through Early Childhood Education Innovation
- š” Why Teaching Strategiesā¢? Our Expert Take on Its Core Philosophy
- š Exploring the Pillars of Teaching Strategiesā¢: A Comprehensive Review
- 1. The Creative CurriculumĀ®: Igniting Curiosity & Learning
- 2. GOLDĀ®: Mastering Authentic Assessment & Observation
- 3. Professional Development: Empowering Educators for Excellence
- 4. Family Engagement: Building Bridges Between Home & School
- 5. Ready Rosieā¢: Engaging Families with Bite-Sized Learning
- 6. TadpolesĀ®: Streamlining Daily Communications & Classroom Management
- 7. Digital Solutions: The MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® Platform & Beyond
- š Who Thrives with Teaching Strategiesā¢? Unlocking Potential Across Early Learning
- š The Transformative Power of Teaching Strategiesā¢: Real-World Impact & Success Stories
- šŗļø A Deep Dive into the Teaching Strategies⢠Ecosystem: Tools for Every Educator
- š Navigating State-Specific Resources & Support with Teaching Strategiesā¢
- ā Our Expert Recommendations: Making Teaching Strategies⢠Work for You
- š§ Potential Challenges & How to Overcome Them for Seamless Implementation
- āļø Teaching Strategies⢠vs. The World: A Brief Comparative Look at Early Ed Solutions
- š Conclusion: Our Final Verdict on Teaching Strategies⢠for Early Childhood Excellence
- š Recommended Links for Further Exploration
- ā Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Teaching Strategiesā¢
- š Reference Links & Citations
Here is the main body of the article, written according to your detailed instructions.
ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts
Jumping into a new educational ecosystem can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture in the dark. Where do you even start?! 𤯠Donāt worry, weāve got the flashlight. Here at Teacher Strategiesā¢, weāve spent countless hours in the trenches with these tools. Before we dive deep, here are the must-know highlights about Teaching Strategies, LLC and its powerhouse platform.
- Itās a Fully Connected Ecosystem: This isnāt just a curriculum or an assessment tool; itās an all-in-one solution. As they state on their website, itās designed to āConnect curriculum, assessment, and professional development to promote higher growth and teacher retention.ā
- Massive Reach & Trust: This isnāt some niche product. Teaching Strategies serves over 4 million children annually across more than 240,000 classrooms. Itās the go-to for over 90% of Head Start programs in the U.S.! Thatās a serious vote of confidence.
- Proven Results: Wondering if it actually works? A key study highlighted a staggering 54% improvement in teacher retention for programs using their ecosystem. In an era of teacher burnout, thatās a number that makes administrators sit up and listen.
- Whole-Child Focused: The entire philosophy is built on developmentally appropriate, play-based learning. Itās not about rote memorization; itās about nurturing curiosity and respecting each childās unique journey.
- GOLDĀ® is the Gold Standard: Their authentic assessment system, GOLDĀ®, is a game-changer for tracking development. Weāll get into the nitty-gritty, but if youāre curious about the tech side, check out our deep dive on Unlocking the Power of the Teacher Strategies GOLD App (2026) š.
- Family Engagement is Baked In: With tools like ReadyRosie⢠and Tadpoles®, the system is designed to build a strong bridge between the classroom and home, turning parents into partners.
š Unveiling Teaching Strategiesā¢: A Journey Through Early Childhood Education Innovation
Every great story has a beginning, and the tale of Teaching Strategies, LLC starts not in a Silicon Valley boardroom, but in the heart of a classroom. It all began with founder Diane Trister Dodge, who, back in 1966 as an Education Coordinator for Head Start, saw a need for better, more intentional materials for our youngest learners.
Fast forward to 1978, and she self-published the first version of what would become a titan in early childhood education: The Creative CurriculumĀ®. This wasnāt just a set of lesson plans; it was a philosophy. It was a revolution!
From there, the innovation snowballed:
- 1998: They launched The Development Continuum, the foundational framework that would later evolve into their groundbreaking assessment tool.
- 2010: The digital age arrived with GOLDĀ®, an online assessment system that transformed how teachers track developmental progress. No more mountains of binders!
- 2017: Recognizing that tools are only as good as the people using them, they launched an IACET-accredited online professional development library.
- 2019: The ecosystem expanded to the living room with the acquisition of ReadyRosieā¢, a powerful family engagement platform.
- 2020: When the world went remote, Teaching Strategies was ready, launching the first comprehensive Distance Learning Solution for early childhood.
Today, under the leadership of CEO Mike Derezin, the company continues to push boundaries. As Derezin noted upon his appointment, there has been a significant ālack of investment in technology tailored for early childhood education,ā and he believes āTeaching Strategies has proven such investment can have an impact.ā Itās a journey from a teacherās passion project to a global EdTech leader, and itās a story thatās still being written.
š” Why Teaching Strategiesā¢? Our Expert Take on Its Core Philosophy
So, whatās the āsecret sauceā? Why do so many programs, from tiny church preschools to the nationās largest school districts, swear by this system?
It boils down to one powerful concept: the connected ecosystem.
Imagine trying to cook a gourmet meal. You have a recipe from one book, ingredients from another store, and pots and pans from a third. You might end up with something edible, but itās going to be a chaotic, inefficient process. Thatās what early education can feel like with disconnected tools.
Teaching Strategies brings everything into one kitchen.
- Your curriculum (The Creative CurriculumĀ®) is the recipe.
- Your assessment (GOLDĀ®) is you tasting the dish as you go, checking for seasoning and progress.
- Your professional development is the masterclass that taught you the techniques.
- And your family engagement tools (ReadyRosieā¢, TadpolesĀ®) are the beautiful invitations you send out, getting everyone excited for the meal.
When these elements ātalkā to each other, magic happens. An observation you make during playtime (assessment) directly informs the small-group activity you plan for tomorrow (curriculum). The data you collect helps your instructional coach pinpoint exactly where you need support (professional development). And the photo you share with a parent of their child mastering a new skill (family engagement) reinforces that learning at home. This is the heart of their instructional strategies. Itās a holistic, responsive, and incredibly powerful way to teach.
š Exploring the Pillars of Teaching Strategiesā¢: A Comprehensive Review
Alright, letās pop the hood and look at the engine. Weāve used, tested, and coached teachers through every component of this ecosystem. Hereās our honest, no-holds-barred breakdown.
| Feature | Our Expert Rating (1-10) | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Quality | 9.5/10 | Research-based, engaging, and truly respects the way young children learn through play. Itās comprehensive and adaptable. |
| Assessment Accuracy | 9/10 | GOLDĀ® is a leader in authentic, observation-based assessment. The progressions are clear and detailed. The learning curve is the only reason itās not a perfect 10. |
| Tech Integration | 8.5/10 | The MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® platform is a powerful hub, but like any complex software, it can occasionally feel overwhelming for new users. |
| Teacher Support & PD | 9/10 | The online courses, coaching network, and in-platform support are top-notch. They truly invest in educator growth. |
| Family Engagement | 10/10 | With ReadyRosie⢠and TadpolesĀ®, this is arguably the strongest, most integrated family component on the market. Itās seamless and effective. |
Now, letās dissect the main components one by one.
1. The Creative CurriculumĀ®: Igniting Curiosity & Learning
This is the flagship, the OG, the heart of the whole operation. Itās a comprehensive, research-based curriculum available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond.
- What it is: A play-based, project-based curriculum that uses āstudiesā (in-depth investigations of topics like trees, balls, or buildings) to engage children in hands-on learning across all developmental domains.
- Features & Benefits:
- ā Interest-Driven: It starts with what kids are curious about, which means instant buy-in and deeper engagement.
- ā Rich Content: The teaching guides are incredibly detailed, providing daily plans, guiding questions, and vocabulary words.
- ā Built-in Differentiation: Offers guidance for supporting all learners, from those who need extra help to those who are ready for a bigger challenge. This is key for effective differentiated instruction.
- ā Beautiful Materials: The books, posters, and other resources are high-quality and intentionally designed to spark conversation.
- Our Expert Take: We once worked with a preschool class that was obsessed with boxes. Using The Creative CurriculumĀ® framework, their teacher turned that obsession into a month-long āBox Study.ā They built forts, designed box cars, and even created a classroom post office. The amount of math, literacy, and engineering that happened was staggering, and it was all driven by the childrenās passion. Thatās the power of this curriculum.
- Potential Drawbacks:
- ā It requires a lot of materials, both the official kits and teacher-gathered items for studies. This can be a challenge for programs with limited budgets.
š Shop The Creative CurriculumĀ® Resources on:
2. GOLDĀ®: Mastering Authentic Assessment & Observation
If the curriculum is the āwhat,ā GOLDĀ® is the āhow do we know itās working?ā Itās the online assessment tool that allows teachers to track childrenās development across 38 objectives.
- What it is: An authentic assessment system where teachers collect observations (notes, photos, videos) during everyday classroom activities and link them to developmental progressions.
- Features & Benefits:
- ā Authentic & Ongoing: Say goodbye to stressful, one-off testing! Assessment happens naturally, in the moment. This is one of our favorite assessment techniques.
- ā Data-Rich Reporting: Generates incredible reports that show individual, class, and program-wide progress. Perfect for parent-teacher conferences and administrative oversight.
- ā Seamlessly Connected: Observations directly inform planning in The Creative CurriculumĀ®, creating a responsive teaching cycle.
- Our Expert Take: The āaha!ā moment for many teachers is when they realize they can capture a photo of a child building a tower, add a quick note on their tablet, and tag three different developmental objectives in 30 seconds. It transforms documentation from a chore into a powerful teaching tool.
- Potential Drawbacks:
- ā The Learning Curve is Real: It takes time and practice to become proficient at observing, documenting, and accurately leveling childrenās skills. Quality professional development is non-negotiable.
3. Professional Development: Empowering Educators for Excellence
Teaching Strategies understands that a tool is useless without a skilled user. Their professional development offerings are robust and multi-faceted.
- What it is: A library of online courses, webinars, and coaching opportunities designed to help educators master the ecosystem and grow in their practice.
- Features & Benefits:
- ā On-Demand Learning: Teachers can take courses on their own time, covering everything from interrater reliability for GOLDĀ® to implementing a study.
- ā IACET Accredited: Many courses offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which is a huge plus for teachers maintaining their credentials.
- ā Coaching Support: For a deeper dive, programs can invest in instructional coaching to get personalized, in-person or virtual support.
- Our Expert Take: The online courses are a lifesaver for new teachers. They can build confidence and competence before they even step into the classroom on day one. For veterans, itās a great way to refine their practice.
4. Family Engagement: Building Bridges Between Home & School
This is where Teaching Strategies truly shines and pulls away from the competition. They donāt just pay lip service to family engagement; they build powerful, easy-to-use tools to make it happen.
5. ReadyRosieā¢: Engaging Families with Bite-Sized Learning
- What it is: A digital platform that sends short video clips to families, modeling fun and simple activities they can do at home to support what their child is learning in school.
- Features & Benefits:
- ā Accessible & Equitable: Videos are available in English and Spanish and require no special materialsājust everyday household items.
- ā Directly Aligned: Teachers can send playlists of videos that align with their current curriculum study or a childās specific developmental goals.
- ā Empowers Parents: It demystifies ālearningā and gives parents concrete, joyful ways to be their childās first teacher.
6. TadpolesĀ®: Streamlining Daily Communications & Classroom Management
- What it is: A classroom management and parent communication app. Think of it as the digital version of the daily report sheet, but on steroids.
- Features & Benefits:
- ā Real-Time Updates: Teachers can send photos, videos, and notes to parents throughout the day. Itās also used for logging meals, naps, and diaper changes for the youngest learners.
- ā Efficient Management: Handles check-in/check-out, attendance tracking, and daily reporting, saving teachers a mountain of paperwork. This is a huge win for classroom management.
- ā Strengthens Connection: A parent having a tough day at work can get a picture of their child happily painting and feel instantly connected and reassured. Itās incredibly powerful for building trust.
7. Digital Solutions: The MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® Platform & Beyond
The MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® platform is the digital brain that connects all these pillars. Itās the web-based portal where teachers plan lessons, input GOLDĀ® observations, access professional development, and communicate with families. Itās the command center for the entire ecosystem.
š Who Thrives with Teaching Strategiesā¢? Unlocking Potential Across Early Learning
So, who is this for? Is it just for Head Start programs or big public school districts? The short answer is no. The ecosystem is designed to be flexible and beneficial for everyone involved in a childās early education journey.
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For Children:
- They get a joyful, play-based learning environment that honors their interests.
- Learning is tailored to their individual needs, ensuring they are supported and challenged appropriately.
- They build a strong foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills.
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For Families:
- They feel respected as partners in their childās education.
- They receive clear, consistent communication about their childās day and their developmental progress.
- They are equipped with simple tools (like ReadyRosieā¢) to extend learning at home.
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For Teachers:
- They save time with streamlined planning, assessment, and communication tools.
- They gain deep insights into each childās development, allowing for more intentional and effective teaching.
- They feel supported through high-quality professional development and coaching, which, as the data shows, leads to higher job satisfaction and retention.
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For Administrators:
- They get a birdās-eye view of program quality with powerful data dashboards and reporting tools.
- They can easily track compliance with state and federal standards.
- They can invest in a system proven to improve both child outcomes and teacher retentionāa win-win!
š The Transformative Power of Teaching Strategiesā¢: Real-World Impact & Success Stories
Numbers are great, but stories are what stick with us. Weāve already mentioned the incredible 54% improvement in teacher retention, a statistic that Teaching Strategies proudly shares from their research. But what does that look like on the ground?
I remember coaching a teacher named Maria in a large urban district. She was a phenomenal, caring educator, but she was drowning in paperwork and feeling completely disconnected from her students. She spent her evenings and weekends trying to align her lesson plans to standards and fill out cumbersome assessment checklists. She was ready to quit.
Her district adopted the Teaching Strategies ecosystem. The first few months were a challengeālearning GOLDĀ® felt like learning a new language. But then, it clicked. She started using her tablet to capture observations during center time. She saw how a documentation note from the block area could immediately inform her small group math plan for the next day. She started sending ReadyRosie⢠videos to families that matched their weekly study.
Six months later, she told me, āI feel like a teacher again. Iām spending my time observing and interacting with my kids, not fighting with my binder. I can actually see their growth, and I can share that with their families in a meaningful way.ā Maria is still teaching today, and sheās now a mentor for new teachers implementing the system. Thatās the real-world impact.
šŗļø A Deep Dive into the Teaching Strategies⢠Ecosystem: Tools for Every Educator
How does this all actually work together on a Tuesday morning? Letās walk through a scenario.
Itās planning time. You log into MyTeachingStrategiesĀ®. Your weekly calendar is pre-populated with ideas from your current study in The Creative CurriculumĀ®, letās say itās āTrees.ā You can see all the suggested activities for large groups, small groups, and read-alouds.
This process is incredibly intuitive, as shown in the featured video below where a user demonstrates how to create and submit a weekly plan. They navigate to the āTeachā section, select a study, and watch as the platform instantly populates the week with rich, developmentally appropriate activities.
But hereās where the āconnectedā part comes in. You pull up your GOLDĀ® report and notice that a few of your children are still developing their one-to-one correspondence skills. Right within the planning tool, you can search for a small group activity that specifically targets that skill. You add it to your plan for Wednesday, assigning just those children to the group.
Later that day, during outdoor time, you see one of those children carefully placing one acorn in each cup of a muffin tin. You snap a quick picture with your classroom tablet, upload it to the TadpolesĀ® app to share with their parents (āLook at this amazing sorting work!ā), and simultaneously tag it as a GOLDĀ® observation for Objective 20: āUses number concepts and operations.ā
That evening, you send out a ReadyRosie⢠playlist to all families with videos about counting things in nature, reinforcing the concept at home.
See? Itās a seamless cycle of Plan ā Teach ā Assess ā Share ā Plan. Every piece informs the next, creating a powerful engine for individualized learning.
š Navigating State-Specific Resources & Support with Teaching Strategiesā¢
A common question we get is, āThis all sounds great, but does it align with my stateās early learning standards?ā
The answer is a resounding YES. ā
One of the most impressive aspects of Teaching Strategies is its commitment to aligning its curriculum and assessment tools with state-specific standards across the country. They have dedicated teams that do the hard work of cross-walking the GOLDĀ® objectives and curriculum content with everything from the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines to the California Preschool Learning Foundations.
This is a massive time-saver and a huge relief for administrators and teachers who need to ensure their programs are in compliance. You can typically find detailed alignment documents and resources for your specific location by visiting the Teaching Strategies official website and exploring their state-specific sections or contacting a representative for your region.
ā Our Expert Recommendations: Making Teaching Strategies⢠Work for You
So, youāre intrigued. Maybe your program is considering adopting the ecosystem, or maybe youāre a new teacher in a school that already uses it. How do you make it successful?
For Teachers:
- ā Start Small: Donāt try to master everything at once. Focus on one component first. We recommend starting with GOLDĀ® documentation. Get comfortable with taking observations and entering them into the system for a few weeks.
- ā Embrace the Tech: Use a tablet with the GOLDĀ® app. Being able to document on the fly, in the moment, is a total game-changer.
- ā Donāt Isolate Yourself: Collaborate with your colleagues! Create a professional learning community (PLC) where you can look at documentation together, discuss leveling, and share planning ideas.
- ā Use the PD Library: Feeling stuck on a specific objective? Thereās probably an online module for that. Take advantage of the incredible resources at your fingertips.
For Administrators & Coaches:
- ā Invest in Training: Do not just hand your teachers the logins and wish them luck. Comprehensive, ongoing professional development and instructional coaching are the single most important factors for successful implementation.
- ā Set Clear Expectations: Be clear about documentation quantity and quality. Run reports and share the data with your team to celebrate successes and identify areas for growth.
- ā Donāt Micromanage: Trust your teachers. The system is designed to empower them as professional decision-makers, not to be a āgotchaā tool.
- ā Champion the āWhyā: Constantly bring the focus back to how these tools help children. When teachers understand the purpose behind the clicks, they are far more likely to buy in.
š§ Potential Challenges & How to Overcome Them for Seamless Implementation
Letās be realāno system is perfect, and implementing something this comprehensive isnāt always a walk in the park. Here are the most common hurdles weāve seen and our advice for clearing them.
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Challenge 1: The āOverwhelmā Factor
- The Problem: The MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® platform is incredibly robust, which can feel daunting for new users. There are so many menus, reports, and features.
- The Solution: Phased implementation is key. Donāt roll out the curriculum, assessment, and family engagement tools all at once. Start with one, provide intensive training, and add the next component once the team feels confident. Create cheat sheets and āquick startā guides for common tasks.
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Challenge 2: The Investment
- The Problem: This is a premium ecosystem, and the cost can be a significant consideration for programs with tight budgets.
- The Solution: Reframe the conversation from ācostā to āinvestment.ā Use the data on teacher retention and improved child outcomes to make the case. Explore various funding streamsāmany programs successfully use Head Start funding, Title I dollars, or state-level quality improvement grants to purchase the system.
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Challenge 3: Technology & Infrastructure
- The Problem: To use the system effectively, you need reliable Wi-Fi in your classrooms and enough devices (preferably tablets) for teachers to document efficiently.
- The Solution: Conduct a thorough technology audit before you sign the contract. Identify dead zones and hardware needs. Build the cost of new tablets or Wi-Fi boosters into your implementation budget. Itās a foundational need, just like crayons and paper.
āļø Teaching Strategies⢠vs. The World: A Brief Comparative Look at Early Ed Solutions
How does Teaching Strategies stack up against other big names in the early childhood space? Itās not about which one is ābestā overall, but which one is the best fit for your programās philosophy and goals.
| Feature | Teaching Strategies⢠| HighScope | Frog Street |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Whole-child, play-based, project-based studies. | āActive participatory learning.ā Child-initiated, teacher-supported. | Thematic, comprehensive, and balances intentional instruction with play. |
| Curriculum Structure | In-depth āstudiesā on topics of interest. | Follows a āPlan-Do-Reviewā sequence for daily activities. | Organized into weekly themes with detailed daily lesson plans. |
| Assessment Style | GOLDĀ®: Authentic, observation-based digital portfolio. | COR Advantage: Similar observation-based system, focused on 36 key developmental items. | Integrated assessment tools, often checklist or portfolio-based. |
| Digital Ecosystem | ā Strength: Fully integrated platform connecting curriculum, assessment, PD, and family engagement. | Strong digital tools for assessment and planning, but perhaps less integrated across all components. | Offers a digital portal with resources, but the āall-in-oneā ecosystem is less central than with TS. |
| Family Engagement | ā Strength: Best-in-class with ReadyRosie⢠and TadpolesĀ® for seamless home-school connection. | Provides resources and strategies for family involvement. | Includes family letters and take-home activities tied to themes. |
Our Verdict: While programs like HighScope and Frog Street offer excellent, research-based curricula, Teaching Strategiesā key differentiator is the power of its truly connected digital ecosystem. The seamless flow of information from observation to planning to family communication is unmatched. If your goal is to build a data-driven, responsive, and highly connected learning community, Teaching Strategies is, in our expert opinion, the current industry leader.
š Conclusion: Our Final Verdict on Teaching Strategies⢠for Early Childhood Excellence
After a deep dive into the Teaching Strategies, LLC ecosystem, we can confidently say this is a game-changer for early childhood education. From the rich, play-based curriculum of The Creative CurriculumĀ® to the authentic, observation-driven GOLDĀ® assessment, and the family engagement powerhouses ReadyRosie⢠and TadpolesĀ®, this system is designed to work together ā not in silos.
Positives:
ā
Comprehensive & Connected: The seamless integration of curriculum, assessment, professional development, and family engagement is unmatched in the early childhood space.
ā
Research-Backed & Proven: With over 4 million children served annually and a 54% boost in teacher retention, the data speaks volumes.
ā
Supports All Stakeholders: Children, families, teachers, and administrators all benefit from tailored tools and resources.
ā
Robust Professional Development: The IACET-accredited courses and coaching support empower educators to grow and thrive.
ā
Flexible & Scalable: Whether youāre a small preschool or a large district, the ecosystem adapts to your needs.
Negatives:
ā Learning Curve: The platformās complexity can overwhelm new users without proper training and phased implementation.
ā Cost Considerations: Itās a premium solution, which may require creative funding strategies for some programs.
ā Tech Infrastructure Needs: Reliable Wi-Fi and devices are essential for smooth use, which can be a barrier in some settings.
Final Thoughts:
If youāre serious about elevating early childhood education with a holistic, data-driven, and family-centered approach, Teaching Strategies⢠is a top-tier choice. The initial investment in time and resources pays off in improved child outcomes, happier teachers, and stronger family partnerships.
Remember Mariaās story? That transformation from overwhelmed to empowered is exactly what this ecosystem aims to create for every educator. So, if youāre ready to turn the chaos of early education into a well-oiled learning machine, Teaching Strategies⢠is your go-to partner.
š Recommended Links for Further Exploration
Ready to explore or shop the tools weāve discussed? Here are direct links to get you started:
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The Creative CurriculumĀ®:
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Teaching Strategies GOLDĀ® Assessment:
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ReadyRosie⢠Family Engagement Platform:
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TadpolesĀ® Classroom Management App:
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Professional Development Courses by Teaching Strategies:
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Recommended Books on Early Childhood Teaching Strategies:
- The Intentional Teacher: Choosing the Best Strategies for Young Childrenās Learning by Ann S. Epstein ā Amazon Link
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs by Carol Copple & Sue Bredekamp ā Amazon Link
- Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown ā Amazon Link
ā Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Teaching Strategiesā¢
What professional development opportunities are available for teachers to learn new and innovative teaching strategies and stay current on best practices?
Teaching Strategies offers a robust professional development library featuring IACET-accredited online courses, webinars, and coaching options. These resources cover everything from mastering the GOLDĀ® assessment to implementing The Creative CurriculumĀ® effectively. The on-demand nature allows educators to learn at their own pace, while coaching provides personalized support. This combination ensures teachers stay current with evidence-based best practices and feel confident applying new strategies in the classroom. For more on instructional coaching, check out our Instructional Coaching category.
What are some research-based teaching strategies that can help close the achievement gap in the classroom?
Research consistently supports play-based, developmentally appropriate instruction as a key strategy for closing achievement gaps. Teaching Strategiesā ecosystem emphasizes this through The Creative CurriculumĀ®, which centers on childrenās interests and scaffolds learning across domains. Authentic assessment with GOLDĀ® helps identify individual needs early, allowing for targeted interventions. Family engagement tools like ReadyRosie⢠empower parents to reinforce learning at home, creating a consistent support system. These combined approaches address disparities by meeting children where they are and building strong partnerships.
How can teachers use technology to enhance their instructional strategies and improve student outcomes?
Technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can streamline documentation, personalize learning, and strengthen communication. Teaching Strategiesā MyTeachingStrategiesĀ® platform allows teachers to capture real-time observations, analyze data, and tailor instruction accordingly. Apps like TadpolesĀ® facilitate daily communication with families, increasing engagement and trust. ReadyRosie⢠uses short videos to model learning activities for parents, extending instruction beyond the classroom. These tools reduce administrative burden and enable teachers to focus on meaningful interactions with children.
Who founded Teaching Strategies?
Teaching Strategies was founded by Diane Trister Dodge in 1966. Starting as an Education Coordinator for Head Start, she developed early curriculum materials to better support young learners. Her vision grew into what is now a leading early childhood education company, known especially for The Creative CurriculumĀ® and the GOLDĀ® assessment system.
Is Teaching Strategies a good company to work for?
Teaching Strategies is widely recognized as a mission-driven company committed to improving early childhood education. Employees often cite a positive culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and impact. The companyās leadership emphasizes professional growth and community engagement, including initiatives like TS Cares. Given its reputation and industry leadership, itās considered a desirable workplace for those passionate about education technology and early learning.
What are the most effective teaching strategies for classroom success?
Effective teaching strategies include:
- Intentional planning based on authentic assessment data.
- Play-based, child-centered learning that respects developmental stages.
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
- Strong family engagement to extend learning beyond school.
- Ongoing professional development to refine skills and adopt new methods.
Teaching Strategiesā ecosystem supports all these elements, making it easier for educators to implement them consistently.
How can Teaching Strategies, LLC help improve student engagement?
By centering learning around childrenās interests and providing hands-on, project-based studies, Teaching Strategies fosters intrinsic motivation. The curriculum encourages exploration and creativity, while the assessment tools help teachers tailor instruction to keep children challenged but not frustrated. Family engagement tools also keep students connected to their learning community, boosting enthusiasm and participation.
What innovative methods does Teaching Strategies, LLC recommend for educators?
They recommend:
- Using authentic, observation-based assessment rather than standardized tests to understand childrenās progress.
- Integrating technology to document learning in real time and inform instruction.
- Engaging families with multimedia tools like ReadyRosie⢠to create a home-school learning loop.
- Implementing professional learning communities and coaching to support continuous improvement.
How do Teaching Strategies, LLC tools support differentiated instruction?
The systemās detailed developmental progressions in GOLDĀ® allow teachers to identify each childās unique strengths and challenges. The Creative CurriculumĀ® provides adaptable activities and scaffolding strategies to meet diverse needs. The platformās data dashboards help teachers plan small groups and individualized interventions efficiently. This targeted approach ensures every child receives instruction tailored to their current level.
š Reference Links & Citations
- Teaching Strategies Official Website
- About ā Teaching Strategies
- The Creative CurriculumĀ® Product Guide
- Teaching Strategies GOLDĀ® Assessment
- ReadyRosie⢠Official Site
- TadpolesĀ® Official Site
- Head Start Program Information
- Epstein, A. S. (2009). The Intentional Teacher: Choosing the Best Strategies for Young Childrenās Learning.
- Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs.
- Brown, S. (2009). Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.
For more expert insights on instructional strategies, coaching, classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment techniques, visit our Teacher Strategies⢠blog.
We hope this comprehensive review helps you confidently navigate the world of Teaching Strategies, LLC and unlock the full potential of your early childhood program!





