The Primary Program: Growing and Learning in the Heartland is an educational framework that is based on current information about how children grow and learn and builds on the best practices of the finest educators from across the country. The primary program was developed in 1993 by the Departments of Education in Nebraska and Iowa in partnership with local educators. It is an adaptation of the British Columbia primary program and is intended to assist local schools as they strive to provide the most effective learning environments possible for primary children. The document also supports the work of the classroom teacher in the integration of curriculum and evaluation of children's learning. It is not a stand alone program, but a process that can enhance the educational program at the early childhood level.

The primary program and other school programs are designed by adults but, in a real sense, the programs are created by children as they learn in classrooms, playgrounds, homes, and communities. This is as it should be, as children are enabled to become independent, confident learners who experience joy in learning throughout their schooling and the rest of their lives.