All children and their families have the right to feel welcomed and appreciated for who they are as they participate in early childhood programs.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a primary resource guiding directors and teachers in creating programs that make that right a reality.

At CalAIMH, we are appalled at Alabama’s banning of DAP and the removal of Dr. Barbara Cooper, a national leader at NAEYC, as head of the state’s early care and education programs.

It is reprehensible to put at risk the social and emotional health and growth of young children – particularly the marginalized children at whom this is most directed – in order to score political points in some kind of culture war.  We strongly object.

One thing you can do is to sign on to the letter from leaders in the field, including many former presidents of NAEYC. Click on this link  and let your voice be heard.