AP-OD https://ap-od.org/ Abriendo Puertas | Opening Doors Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:35:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://ap-od.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Logo_v2-100x100.png AP-OD https://ap-od.org/ 32 32 Family Connections Issue #25 https://ap-od.org/2026/06/15/family-connections-issue-25/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 02:11:06 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45348 Family Connections–Issue 25 is here! This issue celebrates fathers and father figures and the important role they play in helping children thrive. Inside, you'll find research on the impact of engaged fathers, a fun Father’s Day activity to enjoy with your child, and a reminder that meaningful moments and strong relationships can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. ...

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Family Connections–Issue 25 is here!

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This issue celebrates fathers and father figures and the important role they play in helping children thrive. Inside, you'll find research on the impact of engaged fathers, a fun Father’s Day activity to enjoy with your child, and a reminder that meaningful moments and strong relationships can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

You'll also meet Javier in this month's Parent Spotlight and learn how participating in AP-OD helped strengthen his connection with his children and inspired him to be more present in their lives. Join us in celebrating Father’s Day by sharing a photo and telling us what you appreciate most about the father figure in your child’s life using #APODDads, and explore upcoming events and workshops for families.

¡Conexiones Familiares–Número 25 ya está aquí!

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Esta edición celebra a los padres y las figuras paternas y el importante papel que desempeñan para ayudar a los niños a prosperar. En su interior, encontrará investigaciones sobre el impacto de los padres comprometidos, una divertida actividad para el Día del Padre para disfrutar con su hijo, y un recordatorio de que los momentos significativos y las relaciones sólidas pueden generar un impacto duradero en la vida de un niño.

También conocerá a Javier en el Destacado de Padres de este mes y aprenderá cómo su participación en AP-OD le ayudó a fortalecer la conexión con sus hijos y lo inspiró a estar más presente en sus vidas. Únase a nuestra celebración del Día del Padre compartiendo una foto y contándonos qué aprecia más de la figura paterna en la vida de su hijo usando #APODDads, y explore próximos eventos y talleres para familias.

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Descargar aquí

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]]> Parent Highlight – Lucy Diaz https://ap-od.org/2026/06/15/parent-highlight-lucy-diaz/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:44:03 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45333 From Participant to Community Leader In this parent spotlight, we share the story of Lucy Diaz, a mother of four and parent leader with Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN). Discover how Lucy joined AP-OD looking for an opportunity to grow. Through the parent program, she gained valuable tools to strengthen her relationship with her children, recognized the important role parents ...

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From Participant to Community Leader

In this parent spotlight, we share the story of Lucy Diaz, a mother of four and parent leader with Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN).

Discover how Lucy joined AP-OD looking for an opportunity to grow. Through the parent program, she gained valuable tools to strengthen her relationship with her children, recognized the important role parents play as their children’s first teachers, and discovered new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Inspired by her experience, Lucy began supporting other families in her community to take their first steps towards leadership. Today, as a member of the SonomaCAN team, she helps create opportunities for parents to learn, connect, and thrive.

Lucy continues to open doors for others, and her commitment demonstrate the lasting impact that parents can have on their families and communities.

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De Participante a Líder de la Comunidad

En este Destacado de Padres, compartimos la historia de Lucy Díaz, madre de cuatro hijos y líder de padres en Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN).

Descubra cómo Lucy se unió a AP-OD en busca de una oportunidad para crecer. A través del programa para padres, adquirió herramientas valiosas para fortalecer la relación con sus hijos, reconoció el importante papel que los padres desempeñan como los primeros maestros de sus hijos y descubrió nuevas oportunidades para su crecimiento personal y profesional.

Inspirada por su experiencia, Lucy comenzó a apoyar a otras familias de su comunidad para que dieran sus primeros pasos hacia el liderazgo. Hoy, como miembro del equipo de SonomaCAN, ayuda a crear oportunidades para que los padres aprendan, se conecten y prosperen.

Lucy continúa abriendo puertas para otros, y su compromiso demuestra el impacto duradero que los padres pueden tener en sus familias y comunidades.

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]]> Take Your Learning Beyond Every Session https://ap-od.org/2026/06/10/recommended-resources/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:55:21 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45306 The AP-OD 4th Edition curriculum was designed with and for parents and caregivers — to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and skills they already carry. And now, there's even more to explore. We're excited to share the AP-OD Recommended Resources page, a curated collection of resources that includes tools, guides, videos, and articles to support your learning across all 10 AP-OD ...

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The AP-OD 4th Edition curriculum was designed with and for parents and caregivers — to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and skills they already carry. And now, there's even more to explore.

We're excited to share the AP-OD Recommended Resources page, a curated collection of resources that includes tools, guides, videos, and articles to support your learning across all 10 AP-OD curriculum sessions.

Whether you're revisiting Session 1 on the power of your home as your child's first school, exploring the bilingual brain in Session 3, building early math skills in Session 7, or preparing to advocate for your child in Session 9 — these resources support your learning beyond each session. 

What will you find?

    • Research and articles from trusted organizations like Zero to Three, CDC, NAEYC, and ChildTrends
    • Activities and guides from Sesame Workshop — in English and Spanish
    • Tools to support your child's growth, health, literacy, math, school readiness, and social-emotional well-being
    • Resources to help you take care of yourself, too! Because healthy families start with healthy parents and caregivers

You don't have to navigate parenthood alone. These resources are here to support you, session by session, every step of the way.

Explore the resources in English
Explore the resources in Spanish

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]]> Discover Vroom’s Brain-Building Resources https://ap-od.org/2026/06/10/discover-vrooms-brain-building-resources/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:54:52 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45300 AP-OD is proud to feature VroomⓇ as a trusted resource for families. Developed by the Bezos Family Foundation, Vroom takes the latest research on early brain development and puts it where it belongs: in your hands. Because the truth is, you are already doing more than you know.What is Vroom? VroomⓇ is a free collection of simple, science-backed tips and ...

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AP-OD is proud to feature VroomⓇ as a trusted resource for families. Developed by the Bezos Family Foundation, Vroom takes the latest research on early brain development and puts it where it belongs: in your hands. Because the truth is, you are already doing more than you know.

What is Vroom?

VroomⓇ is a free collection of simple, science-backed tips and activities designed for the everyday moments parents and caregivers share with young children from newborns through age five. Whether you're cooking dinner, folding laundry, or waiting at a doctor's office, Vroom shows you how to turn those moments into brain-building opportunities.

Check out the AP-OD Vroom resource page to explore: 

    • Access to tip sheets you can print
    • A short that brings the Vroom approach to life
    • A Vroom Moments at Home video playlist 
    • Dedicated resources for new and expecting parents

One in three young children in the United States grows up in a home where a language other than English is spoken. Which is why VroomⓇ has created a collection of print-at-home tip sheets and resources available in a total of 16 additional languages.

You are your child's first teacher. VroomⓇ is here to support you — one moment at a time.

Explore Vroom resources on the AP-OD platform

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]]> Family Connections Issue # 24 https://ap-od.org/2026/05/31/family-connections-issue-24/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:47:15 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45283 Family Connections–Issue 24 is here! This issue highlights Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of supporting your mental well-being as a parent and caregiver. You'll find encouragement to embrace both the joyful and challenging days of parenting. Read about Oralia and Rogelio in this month's Parent Spotlight, where they share how participating in AP-OD together strengthened their confidence, communication, ...

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Family Connections–Issue 24 is here!

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This issue highlights Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of supporting your mental well-being as a parent and caregiver. You'll find encouragement to embrace both the joyful and challenging days of parenting. Read about Oralia and Rogelio in this month's Parent Spotlight, where they share how participating in AP-OD together strengthened their confidence, communication, and parenting journey.

Explore our bilingual booklist, Books for More Good Days, for family-friendly reading recommendations that support children's well-being. Join our community conversation by sharing one thing you do to care for yourself as a parent, and learn about the upcoming Early STEAM Summer Symposium.

¡Conexiones Familiares–Número 24 ya está aquí!

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Esta edición destaca el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental y la importancia de cuidar su bienestar emocional como padre, madre o cuidador. Encontrará mensajes de apoyo para aceptar tanto los momentos alegres como los desafíos de la crianza. Lea la historia de Oralia y Rogelio en nuestro Destacado de Padres de este mes, donde comparten cómo participar juntos en AP-OD fortaleció su confianza, comunicación y experiencia como padres.

Explore nuestra lista bilingüe de libros, Libros para Más Días Buenos, con recomendaciones para toda la familia que apoyan el bienestar emocional de los niños. Únase a nuestra conversación comunitaria compartiendo una cosa que hace para cuidar de sí mismo como padre o cuidador, y conozca más sobre el próximo Simposio de Verano STEAM para la Primera Infancia.

Download here
Descargar aquí

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]]> Más días buenos juntos: Cuidarse a uno mismo ayuda a que su familia prospere https://ap-od.org/2026/05/26/mas-dias-buenos-juntos-cuidarse-a-uno-mismo-ayuda-a-que-su-familia-prospere/ Tue, 26 May 2026 22:46:17 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45264 Como padres y cuidadores, a menudo ponemos a los demás primero. Entre el trabajo, las responsabilidades familiares, las citas y el estrés diario, cuidarnos a nosotros mismos puede quedar fácilmente relegado al último lugar de la lista. Sin embargo, los pequeños momentos de atención, apoyo y conexión pueden ayudarnos a tener más días buenos, tanto para nosotros como para las ...

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Como padres y cuidadores, a menudo ponemos a los demás primero. Entre el trabajo, las responsabilidades familiares, las citas y el estrés diario, cuidarnos a nosotros mismos puede quedar fácilmente relegado al último lugar de la lista. Sin embargo, los pequeños momentos de atención, apoyo y conexión pueden ayudarnos a tener más días buenos, tanto para nosotros como para las personas que amamos.

Vea el siguiente video:

A muchos padres les cuesta dar prioridad al cuidado personal, y con razón. La culpa, la falta de tiempo, las preocupaciones económicas, las expectativas culturales y la falta de apoyo pueden hacer que el cuidado personal parezca algo inalcanzable. Sean cuales sean sus circunstancias, usted merece apoyo, y hasta el más pequeño gesto de cuidado cuenta.

Aquí tiene algunas formas sencillas de cuidar su bienestar emocional esta semana:

  • Pida ayuda cuando la necesite
  • Tómese un breve descanso cuando se sienta abrumado
  • Descanse siempre que pueda
  • Póngase en contacto con amigos o familiares que le brindan apoyo
  • Dedique tiempo a actividades que le den alegría
  • Recuerde que buscar apoyo es una señal de fortaleza

Este mes, propóngase a elegir solo un pequeño acto de autocuidado. Unos momentos de tranquilidad, un paseo al aire libre, una conversación con alguien en quien confía o simplemente respirar profundamente pueden marcar la diferencia.

Porque los días buenos comienzan cuando nos cuidamos a nosotros mismos, y usted también se merece ese cuidado. No está solo.

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]]> More Good Days, Together: Caring for Yourself Helps Your Family Thrive https://ap-od.org/2026/05/26/self-care-helps-your-family-thrive/ Tue, 26 May 2026 22:44:55 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45258 As parents and caregivers, we often put everyone else first. Between work, family responsibilities, appointments, and everyday stress, taking care of ourselves can easily move to the bottom of the list. But small moments of care, support, and connection can help create more good days for ourselves and for the people we love. Watch the video below:Many parents struggle to ...

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As parents and caregivers, we often put everyone else first. Between work, family responsibilities, appointments, and everyday stress, taking care of ourselves can easily move to the bottom of the list. But small moments of care, support, and connection can help create more good days for ourselves and for the people we love.

Watch the video below:

Many parents struggle to prioritize self-care—and for good reason. Guilt, lack of time, financial stress, cultural expectations, and limited support can all make self-care feel out of reach. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve support — and even the smallest act of care counts.

Here are a few simple ways to support your emotional wellness this week:

  • Ask for help when you need it
  • Take a short break when feeling overwhelmed
  • Rest when possible
  • Reach out to supportive friends or family
  • Make time for activities that bring you joy
  • Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength

This month, challenge yourself to choose just one small act of self-care. A few quiet moments, a walk outside, a conversation with someone you trust, or simply taking a deep breath can make a difference.

Because more good days start with caring for ourselves— and you deserve that care too. You are not alone.

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]]> Libros para más días buenos https://ap-od.org/2026/05/22/libros-para-mas-dias-buenos/ Fri, 22 May 2026 21:19:56 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45252 Las historias tienen una forma especial de abrir las puertas al diálogo, a los sentimientos y a más días buenos, juntos.  Leer con su hijo o contarle historias es una de las cosas más poderosas que puede hacer por su bienestar emocional. Los libros ayudan a los más pequeños a poner nombre a sus sentimientos, a lidiar con emociones intensas ...

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Las historias tienen una forma especial de abrir las puertas al diálogo, a los sentimientos y a más días buenos, juntos. 

Leer con su hijo o contarle historias es una de las cosas más poderosas que puede hacer por su bienestar emocional. Los libros ayudan a los más pequeños a poner nombre a sus sentimientos, a lidiar con emociones intensas y a saber que no están solos en lo que viven. Y para los padres y cuidadores, la hora del cuento también es una oportunidad para conectarse, escuchar y modelar el tipo de conciencia emocional que construye familias sanas y prósperas.

En este Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental, hemos recopilado una lista de libros bilingües para ayudarle a usted y a su pequeño a explorar temas como las emociones, el autocuidado, la ansiedad y la resiliencia, un cuento a la vez. Cada libro es un paso pequeño pero significativo hacia más días buenos para toda su familia.

No lo olvide: ¡su biblioteca local es uno de los mejores recursos a su disposición! Es posible que muchos de estos títulos ya estén en los estantes, y su bibliotecario siempre es una excelente fuente de recomendaciones.

Libros

  • Un grave caso de rayas por David Shannon [inglés | español]
  • R es para respirar: El abecedario para manejar los sentimientos irritables y frustrantes por Dra. Melissa Munro Boyd [inglés | español]
  • No tengas miedo, cangrejita por Chris Haughton [inglés | español]
  • El Secreto de Emilia by Marina Lisenberg  [español]
  • Buenas noches yoga por Mariam Gates [inglés | español]
  • Gruñon por Suzanne Lang [inglés | español]
  • ¡Me gusta como soy! por Karen Beaumont [inglés | español] 
  • Escuchando con mi corazón por Gabi Garcia [inglés | español]
  • Las preocupaciones de Pilar por Victoria M. Sanchez and Jess Golden [inglés]
  • El libro de un cuerpo ocupado: una guía al ejercicio por Lizzy Rockwell [inglés | español]
  • El monstruo de colores: Una historia de emociones por Anna Llenas [inglés | español]
  • No te preocupes por Todd Parr [inglés]
  • La paloma necesita un baño por Mo Willems [inglés | español]
  • La paloma tiene sentimientos también por Mo Willems [inglés]
  • El conejo escuchó por Cori Doerrfeld [inglés | español]
  • El globo de a preocupaciones by Mónica Mancillas [inglés]
  • ¡Eres increíble! por Wayne W. Dyer [inglés]

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]]> Books for More Good Days https://ap-od.org/2026/05/22/books-for-more-good-days/ Fri, 22 May 2026 21:19:53 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45248 Stories have a special way of opening doors to conversations, to feelings, and to more good days, together.  Reading with your child or telling stories is one of the most powerful things you can do for their emotional well-being. Books help little ones name their feelings, navigate big emotions, and know that they are not alone in what they experience. ...

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Stories have a special way of opening doors to conversations, to feelings, and to more good days, together. 

Reading with your child or telling stories is one of the most powerful things you can do for their emotional well-being. Books help little ones name their feelings, navigate big emotions, and know that they are not alone in what they experience. And for parents and caregivers, storytime is also an opportunity to connect, listen, and model the kind of emotional awareness that builds healthy, thriving families.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we've put together a bilingual book list to help you and your little one explore topics like emotions, self-care, anxiety, and resilience — one story at a time. Each book is a small but meaningful step toward more good days for your whole family.

Don't forget — your local library is one of the best resources available to you! Many of these titles may already be on the shelf, and your librarian is always a wonderful source of recommendations.

Books

  • A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon [English | Spanish]
  • B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd [English | Spanish]
  • Don’t Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton [English | Spanish]
  • El Secreto de Emilia by Marina Lisenberg  [Spanish]
  • Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates [English | Spanish]
  • Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang [English | Spanish]
  • I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont [English | Spanish] 
  • Listening with My Heart  by Gabi Garcia [English | Spanish]
  • Pilar’s Worries by Victoria M. Sanchez and Jess Golden [English]
  • The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell [English | Spanish]
  • The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas [English | Spanish]
  • The Don't Worry Book by Todd Parr [English]
  • The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems [English | Spanish]
  • The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too by Mo Willems [English]
  • The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld [English | Spanish]
  • The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas [English]
  • Unstoppable Me! by Wayne W. Dyer [English]

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]]> Family Connections Issue #23 https://ap-od.org/2026/05/15/family-connections-issue-23/ Fri, 15 May 2026 20:39:47 +0000 https://ap-od.org/?p=45224 Family Connections–Issue 23 is here! This issue highlights Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of caring for your well-being as a parent and caregiver. You'll find free mental health resources for the whole family, practical tips for supporting your child's emotional health at home, and a reminder that taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful things ...

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Family Connections–Issue 23 is here!

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This issue highlights Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of caring for your well-being as a parent and caregiver. You'll find free mental health resources for the whole family, practical tips for supporting your child's emotional health at home, and a reminder that taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook this month for mental health tips and resources.

Read our Parent Spotlight on Yolanda and her powerful story of advocating for her son's access to mental health services and quality child care. Join our community conversation by sharing one thing you do to take care of yourself as a parent, and check out upcoming events and workshops.

¡Conexiones Familiares–Número 23 ya está aquí!

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Este número destaca el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental y la importancia de cuidar su bienestar como padre o cuidador. Encontrará recursos gratuitos de salud mental para toda la familia, consejos prácticos para apoyar la salud emocional de su hijo en casa, y un recordatorio de que cuidarse a uno mismo es una de las cosas más poderosas que puede hacer por su hijo. Síganos en Instagram y Facebook este mes para recibir consejos y recursos sobre salud mental.

Lea sobre Yolanda y su poderosa historia de abogar por el acceso a servicios de salud mental y un cuidado infantil de calidad para su hijo. Únase a nuestra conversación comunitaria compartiendo una cosa que hace para cuidarse como padre, y consulte los próximos eventos y talleres.

Download here
Descargar aquí

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