What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice?

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is a framework for early childhood education that is based on the understanding of how children learn and develop. It is a set of principles and guidelines that help educators create learning environments that are supportive of all children’s growth and learning.

The National Association for the Education of Young edusite.ca/ defines DAP as “a framework of practice that is supported by research and theory and that promotes positive outcomes for all young children.” The DAP framework is based on the following 12 principles:

1. Respect for the individual child. Each child is a unique individual with their own strengths, interests, and learning styles.
2. Understanding of child development and learning. Educators must have a deep understanding of how children learn and develop in order to create appropriate learning experiences.
3. Building relationships. Strong relationships between children and adults are essential for healthy development and learning.
4. Creating a supportive environment. The physical and emotional environment should be safe, healthy, and supportive of learning.
5. Play. Play is the primary way that young children learn and develop.
6. Active learning. Children learn best by being actively engaged in their learning.
7. Collaboration. Educators should collaborate with families and other professionals to support children’s learning.
8. Assessment. Assessment should be used to inform teaching and learning, not to label or sort children.
9. Continuity. Learning should be continuous and uninterrupted from birth through age 8.
10. High expectations. All children can learn and achieve at high levels.
11. Cultural and linguistic diversity.** Educators must respect and value the diversity of all children and their families.
12. Inclusiveness.** All children, regardless of their abilities or challenges, should have access to high-quality early childhood education.

Why is DAP important?

DAP is important because it helps to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. When educators follow DAP principles, they create learning environments that are responsive to children’s individual needs and interests. This helps children to feel safe, supported, and challenged, which is essential for healthy development and learning.

DAP is also important because it is based on research and theory. This means that it is not just a set of arbitrary rules, but rather a framework that is grounded in what we know about how children learn and develop. This makes DAP a reliable and effective approach to early childhood education.

How is DAP implemented?

DAP is implemented in a variety of ways, depending on the specific context. However, there are some common elements that are found in all DAP programs. These include:

• A focus on play. Play is the primary way that young children learn and develop, so DAP programs provide plenty of opportunities for children to play.
• A well-rounded curriculum. DAP programs offer a well-rounded curriculum that covers all areas of development, including cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.
• Individualized instruction. DAP programs provide individualized instruction that is tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.
• A supportive environment. DAP programs create a supportive environment that is safe, healthy, and welcoming.
• Collaboration with families. DAP programs collaborate with families to ensure that children’s learning is continuous and uninterrupted.

Conclusion

Developmentally appropriate practice is an important framework for early childhood education. It is based on research and theory, and it helps to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you are interested in learning more about DAP, you can visit the NAEYC website or contact a local early childhood education program.