Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Question 1

DAP

Answer 1

The NAEYC has developed guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice for students who are PreK-3

DAP is an approach to teaching grounded in the research on how young children develop and learn

Designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development

Question 2

Three core considerations for DAP

Answer 2

1. Knowing about child development and learning
2. Knowing what is individually appropriate
3. Knowing what is culturally appropriate

Question 3

Knowing about child development and learning

Answer 3

Teachers must understand what is typical at each age and stage of early development. This knowledge, based on research, helps educators make decisions regarding children’s learning and development

Question 4

Knowing what is individually appropriate

Answer 4

Observe children’s play and interaction with the physical environment and others to determine how the individual child is learning.

Teachers must differentiate based on individual student interests, abilities, and developmental progress

Question 5

Knowing what is culturally important

Answer 5

Must be culturally relevant

Background on students and their families helps provide MEANINGFUL, RELEVANT, AND RESPECTFUL learning experiences for each child and family