Enhancing Educational Programing at an Urban Child Development Center

Abstract

Promoting developmentally appropriate learning is critical to enhancing a child’s education. Child development centers serve as a social and emotional learning opportunity for those that attend. A local child development center strives to promote age-appropriate learning and developmental activity engagement while also meeting the individual needs of diverse learners. After completing a needs assessment, the capstone student and site concluded that providing educators at the center with additional supports and resources for promoting age-appropriate learning and development would be beneficial. This doctoral capstone project was created to provide program enhancement through a trauma-informed care lens while promoting age-appropriate developmental learning. At the conclusion of the capstone experience the student concluded that classroom educators found value in different materials implemented within their rooms and feel as though these materials will increase their confidence in promoting developmentally appropriate learning and play.