51ɬɬÎÝapp

All Early Primary Content

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A young child playing with cards on a table.

DAP: Purpose

This position statement, one of five foundational documents developed by 51ɬɬÎÝapp in collaboration with the early childhood profession to advance high-quality early learning for all young children, defines DAP.
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Teacher and five young children in a classroom

For Educators

Educators who engage in developmentally appropriate practice foster young children’s joyful learning and maximize the opportunities for each and every child to achieve their full potential.
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A child playing with toys in a classroom next to a teacher.

Core Considerations to Inform Decision Making

Developmentally appropriate practice requires early childhood educators to seek out and gain knowledge and understanding using three core considerations: commonality, individuality, and experiences.
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mother and daugter reading a book on the floor
Blog
October 16, 2020

The Distance Learning Toolbox Families Wish They Had

Throughout the pandemic, I have been reading articles and blogs about families and how they are coping. I decided to survey Black families (a group underrepresented in most of the accounts I read) and find out how they were doing and what they would find

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Authored by: 
Bweikia Foster Steen
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DAP: Conclusion

While many of the recommendations have changed considerably over the years, the primary focus of DAP remains the same: 51ɬɬÎÝapp 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.Ìý

Authored by

Authored by: 
Stephen P. ÌýZwolak
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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.Ìý 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

Authored by

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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woman at a computer on a video conference
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.

Authored by

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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