Three New Parts: Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series

To help guide families in understanding, identifying, and implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices, ELRC Region 5’s quality partner Trying Together developed the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series. Three new parts — Gender and Gender Identity, Family Dynamics, and Caring for the Caregiver — are now available.

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Developmentally Appropriate Practice is the approach early care and education professionals use to teach young children. It is based on knowledge—not assumptions—of how children learn and develop.

As of April 2022, 12 Parts have been published, including: Part I: Developmentally Appropriate Practice; Part II: Childhood Physical Health; Part III: Child Care; Part IV: Early Intervention and Inclusion; Part V: Safety and Emergencies; Part VI: Social-Emotional Development; Part VII: Childhood Mental Health; Part VIII: Race and Equity; and Part IX: Transitions & Routines.

Three new parts are now available:

Part X: Gender and Gender Identity

This part explores gender development in children, variations in the process, and how love, acceptance, and unconditional support through all developmental stages can help support healthy gender development.

Part XI: Family Dynamics

Healthy family dynamics foster an environment that promotes growth and development. This part explores family structures, sibling relationships, parentification, LGBTQ+ families, blended families, and foster and adoptive families. 

Part XII: Caring for the Caregiver

Caregiving often takes a toll on the body and mind, and it might seem impossible to juggle self-care and the needs of others. This part explores how to ask and receive help, internal and external resources, and mindfulness practices for caregivers.