In what ways does regulation and program philosophy drive preschool curriculum?

Answer 1

I think philosophy of the school is the more important of the two, but regulations certainly have their place. Regulations are the minimum requirements that the center must meet. You would hope that the center you choose to send your child to would go above and beyond that. The program's philosophy says the most about a program... it sets the tone for the center and the teachers in it. If you work at a center who does not value the sensory issues of a child, you won't find any sensory therapy. If you take your child to a center who doesn't value the child-teacher-parent connection, you won't find much communication between the school and home. The philosophy basically tells what the school values, and what the teachers are expected to portray. You want a school whose philosophy is close to your own, and sets high standards for the field of child development. National programs such as the NAEYC help to set the standard high, so programs that are regulated (or accredited) by such organizations are of a higher caliber.

Answer 2

Regulations can tell you what types of lessons and materials it is not okay to use.
One example would be health regulations stating that no home made treats are to be brought to school. Either it has to be made there or store bought in a sealed package.

Another one would be teacher to student ratios.

Philosophy can play a big part.
If the centers philosophy is children learn through play then they would have a lot of centers and child directed activities.
If the centers philosophy is based on state standards then they may have dittos, and sit down lessons with most if not all activities are teacher directed.

There are so many differences and parts to any child care center that it would be difficult to give more in depth answers without knowing in what ways you are referring to specifically.