All Infant/Toddler Content

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A child playing with blocks made of different shapes.

DAP: Conclusion

While many of the recommendations have changed considerably over the years, the primary focus of DAP remains the same: NAEYC emphasizes the importance of the relationships between children and well-prepared early childhood educators.
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Male teacher in a classroom at a desk
Blog
September 4, 2020

Addressing Social and Emotional Needs of Teachers and Parents

Through our virtual programming for both teachers and parents, our relationship-based approach that is already key to our programming was ramped up to identify, acknowledge, and attend to children’s emotions. 

Authored by

Authored by: 
Stephen P.  Zwolak
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Father and son saying goodbye outside of school
Blog
September 4, 2020

The Comfort of Familiar Routines

Young children find a goodbye ritual very comforting.  Families can make up a love ritual such as a secret handshake and a kiss. Reading books about separation such as The Kissing Hand can also provide comfort to children

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Authored by: 
Julia Luckenbill
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Teacher on a laptop waving
Blog
September 4, 2020

Meeting Families Where They Are

When schools abruptly transitioned to distance learning back in March, I found myself communicating with families more regularly than ever before. And it wasn’t long before I learned many parents and family members were struggling with fears, anxiety, los

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Authored by: 
Jenny Levinson
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Mother and daughter hugging
Blog
September 4, 2020

Social Emotional Learning and Addressing Trauma

Social- emotional learning (SEL) is the foundation and heartbeat of the classroom. Students need to feel connected, safe, and secure, before we even begin to address academics. T

Authored by

Authored by: 
Monica Warren
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Blog
September 4, 2020

Our Commitment to Self, Team, and Families

Our bi-weekly all staff virtual meetings included personal check-ins. During these moments of truth-telling and tears, teachers expressed loneliness and fears.

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Authored by: 
Dee Dee Parker Wright
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Mother and and a little girl holding a teddy bear
Blog
September 4, 2020

Supporting Relationships with Puppets, Books, and Self-Care

Our commitment to partnering with families has not changed. We are providing remote services that prioritize relationships and we are connecting with families using social media, sending weekly text messages to all, and reaching out to each family.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Shannon C. M. Banks
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Mother and son sitting on a picnic table outside
Blog
September 4, 2020

Focusing on Social and Emotional Needs – 6 Programs Begin the New School Year

As child development programs re-open or begin virtual interactions, teachers and families will need to make enhanced, intentional, targeted efforts to ensure those relationships are meaningful and individualized to respond to each child’s specific needs.

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Authored by: 
Derry Koralek
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Children sitting on the ground
Article
Young Children
September 1, 2020

Discovering the Brilliance and Beauty in Black (Voices)

Through inquiry, teachers and young children can create authentic, organic learning that informs their understanding of themselves, of others, and of the world they live in.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Patricia Sullivan
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Toddler with hand in mouth
Blog
January 4, 2017

“如果把颜料涂在手上会有什么害处吗?” 1-3岁学步儿在家参与感官活动的指南 "What's the harm if I paint my arm?": A Toddler's Guide to Sensory Activities in the Home

Just as infants and toddlers need experience crawling or scooting to learn to walk and babbling and crying to learn to talk, they need to practice using their hands to control art supplies and practice using their minds to figure out how art supplies work

Authored by

Authored by: 
Julia Luckenbill
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Child wearing Face Mask

DAP in the Time of COVID: Questions to Consider

NAEYC’s Early Learning Program Standards and Assessment Items to compile a set of questions and considerations. These are designed to help educators and administrators think through options, opportunities, & tradeoffs as you support children and families
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Endnotes

The endnotes are available as a PDF for readers to print and use as they read the statement.
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A group of young children listening to an adult talking.

Appendix C: Acknowledgements

NAEYC appreciates the work of the Developmentally Appropriate Practice/Diversity and Equity Workgroup and the Early Learning Systems Committee, who participated in the development of this statement. See a full list here.
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