Our Curriculum

AP-OD’s curriculum, created with and for families with children ages zero to five, assists diverse parents as they build strong foundations for their children.

About the AP-OD Curriculum

AP-OD’s Curriculum is grounded in research, reflects parent input, and uses the “popular education” approach to engage parents. Available in both Spanish and English, the 10 sessions promote school readiness, family well-being, and advocacy by addressing:

best practices in brain development
key aspects of early childhood development (cognitive, language, physical, and social/emotional)
early literacy
bilingualism
early math
positive use of technology
attendance
transition to kindergarten
civic engagement
parent leadership
goal setting
planning for family success

Cultural Relevance

Every culture possesses its own way of passing wisdom from generation to generation, its
own customs, traditions, and values. The program is led by certified facilitators who honor the strengths and culture of each family. AP-OD is designed to work with families within their environment, respecting their culture, language, and community. AP-OD is culturally relevant in the following ways:

Utilizes well-known popular sayings, or “dichos,” in each session, which prompts discussion among participants. Dichos deliver a message and embody a value or belief that is relevant to each culture and help parents connect to the lessons.
Creates a safe and welcoming space where parents feel comfortable to reflect, share, and engage openly with others. Parents are encouraged to discuss their own upbringing and cultural experiences, whether here in the US or in their home country.
Incorporates cultural activities such as Lotería, (a familiar form of bingo), culturally familiar characters in role-playing, music, and bilingual books.
Honors the home language of parents and allows them to recognize their cultural strengths.

Two-generation approach

AP-OD uses a two-generation approach that builds parent leadership skills and knowledge to promote family well-being and positive outcomes for children. By listening first to family experiences and authentically valuing them, parents are respected and viewed as the true experts for what their families face and what they need to thrive.

Program Evaluation Tools

The AP-OD curriculum includes tools to support implementing partners in measuring the impact of their program. This includes a Session 1 Pre-Survey and a Session 10 Post-Survey, and an Online Survey Portal for data entry, analysis, and presentation. To effectively use these tools, we have also developed resources: a guide, PowerPoint presentations, video tutorials on how to utilize the Online Survey Portal, and pre-recorded instructional videos to guide parents and facilitators in completing the surveys.

Virtual Implementation

This parent curriculum equips facilitators with clear, step-by-step instructions for delivering sessions in person or virtually, ensuring families receive engaging, research-based support no matter the setting. Facilitators can implement the curriculum with flexibility and confidence, using practical guidance and proven strategies to strengthen family learning and well-being.

10-Session Overview of AP-OD, 4rd Edition.

Session 1: I am My Child’s First Teacher; Our Home, My Child’s First School

“The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree”

Get familiar with the AP-OD curriculum, goals, and objectives. Discuss the concepts of parents being the child’s first teacher and the home as the child’s first school. Share the importance of parents taking on the role of leaders in the home by communicating or conveying family values, establishing good communication, using positive discipline, setting goals, and developing and implementing a family action plan.

Session 2: My Child’s Growth and Development

“What Begins Well, Ends Well”

Focus on using daily routines to stimulate healthy brain development in children ages 0-5 through positive relationships and back and forth interactions. Share existing resources and services in the local community to support early childhood development, including early detection and services for children with special needs.

Session 3: Power of Words

“The More That You Learn, The More Places You Will Go”

Put practical tips into action, turning daily routines into opportunities for reading, language, and writing development. Explore the benefits of bilingualism, how to advocate for a child’s educational rights, and ideas for expanding home libraries.

Session 4: Health Body/Healthy Mind
- Part 1: Nutrition & Physical Activity

“Better Safe Than Sorry”

Discuss the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity. Learn how to promote healthy habits in the home and about health programs available in the local community.

Session 5: Health Body/Healthy Mind -
Part 2: Social-Emotional Well-Being

“Each Mind is a World Unto Itself”

Explore ways of taking care of a child’s mental and emotional well-being, and the parent’s too. Practice strategies to help children be self-reliant, confident, and socially competent. Introduce the parent-created video on the importance of social and emotional well-being: Small Children: Big Feelings.

Session 6: My Child, Media and Technology

“The Future Belongs to Those Who Prepare for It Today”

Get informed and embrace media and technology that prepares a child to succeed in the digital age. Learn how to identify quality media choices, serve as good role models, use developmentally appropriate media and technology with children 0-5, and ensure technology serves as a tool for reaching educational goals.

Session 7: Count With Me

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step”

Discuss how math is everywhere around families in today’s world. Practice play and learning activities that help children have fun with math while doing daily routine activities that involve numbers, shapes, size, order, sequence, and more. Introduce the videos that demonstrate ideas for fun home activities: AP-OD Count With Me and Ready Rosie. Play the AP-OD Count With Me Loteria game, helping to reinforce knowledge about early math skills.

Session 8: Let’s Get Ready for School

“Knowledge is Power”

Explore tips for daily routine learning activities that specifically support a child’s transition to school. Share information about how to assess and select local options for early care education and Kindergarten, and how to advocate for a child’s educational needs and rights. Sign a Parent Reading Pledge Card to signal support for early learning. Introduce the parent-created video on the importance of preparing children to be ready for school: Transition to Kinder. Practice using Ready4K, a texting program that sends you three text messages a week — giving fun facts and tips on helping your child get ready for Kindergarten in simple, easy, everyday ways.

Session 9: Champions for Our Children’s Future

“There Is No Worse Struggle Than the One Never Waged”

Deepen parents’ view of themselves as leaders and advocates in their homes, schools, and communities. Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills to solve problems and challenges in a variety of community settings. Introduce the parent-created video on the important role parents play as champions for children and families: Parent Power.

Session 10: Yes, We Can! Graduation

“Success Knows No Bounds”

Honor each participant in a special family celebration, including certificates of completion. Recognize the commitment parents have to lead and advocate on behalf of children. Share positive changes taking place in homes, schools, and communities as a result of the AP-OD program. Play the AP-OD Loteria game, which was developed with feedback from over 200 parents and educators that included an analysis of the game’s effects when played by parents and their young children. Experience how the Loteria game connects the values, concepts, and fundamental objectives of the AP-OD curriculum with the hopes and skills of families.

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