What are Garfat's four interactional stages of professional development?

Garfat's four interactional stages of professional development—doing for, doing to, doing with, and doing together—provide a progressive framework for understanding how professionals can effectively engage with children and youth in their care. This framework emphasizes the evolving nature of interactions between the caregiver and the youth, highlighting the importance of collaboration and empowerment in development.

The first stage, "doing for," involves adults taking responsibility and performing tasks for the youth, typically in situations where the youth may lack the capability or knowledge to do so independently. This is often seen in initial interactions where safety and immediate needs are prioritized.

The second stage, "doing to," still involves a level of control from the caregiver but allows for more directive interactions, where the adult instructs or teaches the youth, guiding them through processes while still holding a significant amount of authority.

As professionals progress to the third stage, "doing with," the interaction becomes more collaborative. The caregiver and youth engage in shared activities, allowing the youth to take more initiative and making decisions alongside the professional. This stage fosters trust and encourages autonomy, reflecting a more partnership-based approach.

The final stage, "doing together," emphasizes a fully collaborative effort where both the professional and the youth work together as equals. This approach