March 31, 2022 DAP Series Parts X, XI, and XII Now Available Trying Together is excited to announce Parts X, XI, and XII of the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series. Through these Parts, caregivers will receive information and resources on Gender and Gender Identity; Family Dynamics; and Caring for the Caregiver. About As an early childhood nonprofit, Trying Together recognizes that a child’s parent is their first and most important caregiver. That’s why we created the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (DAP) Series to assist parents and caregivers in creating high-quality learning experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. The series features digital and print content that provides information on critical early childhood topics. 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. Featured Resources The Series features many helpful resources for families. To help you get started, Trying Together compiled a short list of featured resources for each new Part. Part X: Gender and Gender Identity Family Guide: Gender, Gender Identity, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Gender Identity Development in Early Childhood Non-Gendered Play in Early Childhood Part XI: Family Dynamics Family Dynamics: A Family Guide Types of Family Structures Navigating Sibling Relationships Part XII: Caring for the Caregiver A Guide to Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others How to Ask and Receive Help Support Resources for Parents and Caregivers Navigating the Series The Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series features a search bar and filtering options to connect parents and caregivers to content that is relevant to them. Caregivers can filter available content by Topic, Age Group, Relationship to Child, Resource Type, and Geographic Location. To test it out, visit the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series page. More Information To learn more and access the full list of resources, visit the Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series webpage.
October 26, 2020 Reducing Suspensions and Expulsions in ECE Programs A child’s first five years are the most critical for neurological development. This is why responding to young children’s behaviors by suspending or expelling them from early childhood education (ECE) programs threatens their well-being during a critical period of learning. To highlight ways in which ECE professionals should work to focus on preventative and responsive strategies for healthy child development, Trying Together has released a white paper entitled, “A Pathway to Reduce and Eliminate Early Childhood Suspensions and Expulsions.” This white paper is meant to provide guidance for stakeholders at all levels – teachers in the classroom, directors of programs, early interventionists, quality coaches, mental and behavioral health specialists, advocates, families, and policymakers. Trying Together maintains that the elimination of suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings must simultaneously occur with policies that increase resources and support for educators. The white paper provides researched recommendations including: Establishing developmentally appropriate policies Addressing implicit bias Strengthening family engagement Utilizing developmental screening tools Promoting professional growth opportunities The new white paper is a continuation of Trying Together’s efforts to encourage ECE programs and professionals to set developmentally appropriate expectations and establish preventative solutions. Other resources include Trying Together’s white paper entitled, “End Early Childhood Suspensions and Expulsions: Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Policies For Addressing Behaviors in The Early Elementary School Grades” and a supplemental document entitled, “Addressing Suspensions and Expulsions: A Guide for Families,” which provides helpful tips family caregivers can employ to address their suspension and expulsion concerns. For more information, read the new, complete white paper.
August 4, 2020 Magda Gerber’s Philosophy of Care for Infants & Toddlers Are you interested in learning how to create a safe, challenging, predictable environment for young children in your care? Join Trying Together on August 19 for our interactive session, “Magda Gerber’s Philosophy of Care for Infants & Toddlers.” About Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. In this session, participants will explore the core principles of Magda Gerber’s RIE philosophical approach to educaring for infants and toddlers in the early childhood setting. The basis of the RIE approach is respecting and trusting the individual child’s authentic self. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in conversations around developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers while reflecting on how to best create a safe, challenging, predictable environment for all children. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org. Session Details Session Date: Wednesday, August 19 | 6 – 7 p.m Instructor: Katie Gullone CKC: K1.7 C2 Registrations must be submitted by Monday, August 17. Space is limited. Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered. Learning Objectives Reflect on the RIE principles and philosophical approach when caring for infants and toddlers. Discuss and analyze strategies that best support developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers in the early childhood classroom setting. Registration To register for this session, complete our online registration form. Session Rules and Guidelines These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively. Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression. Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session. Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator. Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share. To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number. Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! More Information For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.
