As early learning environments reopen and attempt to provide safe and nurturing spaces for children to learn and grow, it is an important time to revisit the fundamentals of developmentally appropriate practice.  By reflecting on the guidance provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), teachers and administrators can work to address the challenges of the times while maintaining high-quality programs.

There are likely many new procedures that teachers and children must follow in light of COVID-19, such as wearing masks and social distancing.  Your classroom and the materials children have access to are also likely to look quite a bit different than previous years. Perhaps you have rearranged to allow for more space between children, or maybe you have removed items that are difficult to sanitize daily, such as soft toys or dress-up items. Sensory tables may be temporarily closed and close adult contact with children may be limited as we navigate this new reality.

Under these circumstances, how can programs ensure they are providing the best possible care?  In this newsletter, we will explore some of the core ideas associated with developmentally appropriate practice to find out.

NAEYC has identified 12 Principles of Child Development and Learning that inform the decisions that educators make on a daily basis.  These fundamental principles are a good starting point for determining what the curriculum and environment will look like moving forward. Let’s take a look at a few of these principles and some reflection questions you might want to consider with your teaching team.

For the article Reflecting on Development and Relationships, CLICK HERE

For the article Reflecting on Play and Motion, CLICK HERE

For the article Reflecting on Variety and Influences, CLICK HERE

For the article Director’s Corner: Creating Community, CLICK HERE