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, typically preferred over child-care provider.

center-based 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

child-care provider

Use educator, caregiver, or provider instead unless the project funder specifies differently.

Childcare Quality & Early Learning Center for Research and Professional Development (CQEL)

circle time

Circle Time Magazine™

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.