The Creative Curriculum is rooted in educational philosophy and theory as well as practice. It relies heavily on Erik Erikson stages of socio-emotional development, Jean Piaget's theories of how children think and learn, and on principals of physical development.

During early childhood years children deal with three stages of socio-emotional growth. They learn:

•  To trust others outside of their families

•  To gain independence and self control

•  To take initiative and assert themselves in socially acceptable ways

The Creative Curriculum shows teachers how to foster positive responses to these three stages.