C Terms

Words in red should not be used. Alternatives are provided.

The terms below are preferred in material Cultivate Learning produces, except when a specific project or funder calls for different terms.

capture

Avoid this word in phrases like “capture your thoughts” or “capture video.” Consider using “express your thoughts” or  “record video” instead. (See also shoot.)

caregiver, caregiving

One word, Sometimes preferred over child-care provider to refer to someone who takes care of children in an early learning setting.

center-based program

Hyphenate this term as you would other compound modifiers. An early learning program that is housed in a building specific for the program, as opposed to a family home or outdoors. For example, a YMCA, church, or other building designated for the early learning program.

chairperson

Not chair, chairman, or chairwoman.

child care

Most agencies prefer this as two words instead of one, but consult with the project organizer on specific preference. If using as an adjective, use a hyphen only if needed for clarity (e.g., a child care provider might imply that a child is providing care, so use a hyphen. But a child care center can stand without a hyphen.

child care center

As with other compound modifiers, hyphenate child care in this use. State law defines a child-care center as a place that provides regularly scheduled care for a group of children ages 1 month through 12 years. That care is less than 24 hours at a time. (Wash. Admin. Code § 170-295-0010)

child-care provider

Sometimes preferred over caregiver to refer to someone who takes care of children in an early learning setting. Educator or provider may be appropriate synonyms.

Childcare Quality & Early Learning Center for Research and Professional Development

A former name of Cultivate Learning. Spell out on first reference. CQEL is acceptable on second reference.

circle time

a structured group activity in an early learning setting. May also be referred to as large group time.

Circle Time Magazine ®

Italicize when you use the name in paragraph form. Use the registered trademark symbol with any branding. or graphic presentation. On a PC, you can make this symbol with Ctrl-Alt-R.  Do not use the symbol in paragraph text

A dynamic professional development web series and magazine for early childhood educators, parents, and providers that seeks to make Cultivate Learning’s research accessible, friendly, and fun. Each episode features guest experts sharing their knowledge, ideas for using everyday materials, favorite books, and high-quality examples of learning in action. Join our hosts as they discuss topics related to the work providers do with young children every day.

classroom

Consider the project and audience. If referring to an actual classroom, it might be appropriate. However for most early learning settings, early learning environment or program is more appropriate. Or other terms specific to your project.

Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®)

click

Use for buttons, links, and the like. Do not use click on for buttons or links, use click.

closed-ended

Use as an adjective (e.g., a closed-ended question). These are questions that require a simple yes or no answer.

Coach and Educator Community Interface (CECI)

Spell out on first reference. Abbreviate on subsequent references. Abbreviate in titles and headings, but be sure the name is spelled out early in the text. The Coach and Educator Community Interface (CECI) is a video coaching tool that replaced Coaching Companion for projects with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Coaching Companion™

Coaching Companion is is a video coaching tool used in EarlyEdU and the Office of Head Start, and projects in other states.

community liaison

community of practice (CofP)

community of reflection and practice (CORP)

competency-based

continuous quality improvement (CQI)

curriculum

This term is singular; its plural is curricula.