Babyternals

Does your child attend a child care center that enforces developmentally appropriate practices? Developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) is a perspective within early childhood education where a teacher/caregiver nurtures a child’s social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development by basing all practices and decisions on (1)theories of child development, (2)individually identified strengths and weaknesses of each child uncovered through authentic assessment, and (3)the child’s cultural background as defined by his community, family history, and family structure. (Source…www.wikipedia.com)

As a parent, you may say, “I don’t know?” How do you find out, easy, ASK! Talk to the director and find out what the center’s mission and goals are for the children. Then, take it one step further and visit your child’s classroom and see if you notice a strive for those goals. By getting involved and investigating these things you are being pro-active in making sure your child is getting what they deserve, the best care/learning environment possible.

Most parents enroll their children in child care facilities to have more than just a babysitter watch their children while they are at work. They want their child to learn something. Well, you put your faith in the teachers to do this. But let me say this, it’s First up to the PARENTS to love, nurture, and yes teach your child.

One thing I believe child care teachers, ages 0-5, are able to do is use their knowledge to apply new ways in helping our children learn. It’s okay to adapt to each child’s needs when it comes learning. They can help reinforce what the child learns at home but in a way that best fits each child. The knowledge a teacher gains through college and continuing ed. gives them the tools to help your child learn. By teaching the children using developmentally appropriate practice it enables your child to learn on every level-physical, cognitive, social and emotional.

If you would like to know more about developmentally appropriate practice you can visit the NAEYC website at www.NAEYC.org.

OR if it’s a question just reply to the post and I will answer it best I can.