Understanding and Applying Developmentally Appropriate

PracticesChapter 3

Developmentally Appropriate

PracticeBasic framework for organizing basic knowledge about early childhood education

Evolved over time

Defining principles and guidelines

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What is DAP?Developmentally appropriate practice is

teaching that is:Attuned to children’s ages, experience, abilities

and interestThat helps them attain challenging and achievable

goalsFocus on how children develop and learn

optimally:Age-related Individual human variation

Position Statement

Summary of the field’s best thinking

A defense of its valued practices

An advocacy tool for improving programs for young children

Meeting Children where

they areContinuous Observations

Decision making: Plan curriculum and adapt teaching

strategies

Continual progress

Reaching Challenging and Achievable goals

Intentional teachersHave a purpose for everything that they doAre thoughtful and preparedCan explain the rationale for their decisions and

actions to other teachers, administrators, or parents

Making Informed Decisions

1. Consider what is known about development and learning of children within a given age range ~ Age appropriate

2. Consider what is known about each child individually ~ personality, strengths, interests, abilities ~ each child takes away something different

3. Consider what is known about the social and cultural contexts in which children live ~ Culturally appropriate

Knowledge is substantial and changes over time!

Role of the ECE Teacher Five interrelated dimensions:1. Creating a caring community of learners2. Teaching to enhance learning and development3. Planning curriculum to meet important goals4. Assessing children’s learning and development5. Establishing reciprocal relationships with

families

“Widening the Lens”Move beyond either/or thinking To BOTH/AND THINKING when solving problems

or making decision about practiceRejects simple answers to complex questionsRequires diverse perspectivesConsider several possible correct answers

Complexity and interrelationship among the principles that guide ECE practice

Research baseWell grounded research forms the basis of

NAEYCs position statements on developmentally appropriate practice

Provides a solid guidance for early childhood educators

DAP Research show gains in: Social-Emotional DevelopmentLearning

Knowing children +Knowing how to teach +Knowing what to teach +

= EFFECTIVE PRACTICE