Let's talk about the phrase "Developmentally Appropriate"
You may have heard the term Developmentally appropriate being used in the Anti- Lgbtq+ legislation. Let me be clear that the way it is being used is incorrect.
As an early childhood professional, this is the one phrase you hear consistently throughout your career.
Let's take a look at the position statement by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
"Each and every child, birth through age 8, has the right to equitable learning opportunities—in centers, family child care homes, or schools—that fully support their optimal development and learning across all domains and content areas. Children are born eager to learn; they take delight exploring their world and making connections. The degree to which early learning programs support children’s delight and wonder in learning reflects the quality of that setting. 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."
Now let's dig a little deeper into what NAEYC acknowledges is missing from their research
"This position statement is based on a synthesis of current research and evidence across multiple disciplines. Although research finds that culture and context matter, relatively little research has been conducted with children from nonWhite and non-middle-class backgrounds. There is also a need for additional research led by those who reflect the diversity of children and families and their lived experiences."
So if we know what it means to be developmentally appropriate and that there are children and families whose lived experience is missing from the research, wouldn't it be best practices to ensure that these community members are acknowledged, valued, and represented in our programs?
How do we do this?
"Educators implement developmentally appropriate practice by recognizing the multiple assets all young children bring to the early learning program as unique individuals and as members of families and communities." NAEYC
Does that mean we should be discussing all types of families in our programs????
Yes! Yes it Does!
If you are not representing, valuing, and discussing all families, you are not being "Developmentally appropriate."
