DAP

Developmentally Appropriate Practices

NAEYC's publication, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, expanded edition is intended for use by teachers, administrators, curriculum developers, parents, policy makers, and others involved with programs serving young children, birth through age 8, in schools, centers, and homes. As with so many NAEYC projects, it represents the thoughtful suggestions and careful reviews of hundreds of early childhood professionals.

The revised edition builds on the fundamental principles articulated in the previous edition and expands them to better reflect the

critical role of the teacher in supporting children's development and learning;
concept of classrooms or groups of children as communities of learners in which relations among adults and groups of children support developments and learning;
role of culture in the processes of development and learning and the fact that all development and learning occur in and are influenced by sociocultural contexts;
significant role of families in early childhood education;
applicability of the principles to children with disability of the principles to children with disabilities and other special learning and developmental needs;
importance of meaningful and contextually relevant curriculum;
necessity of assessment practices that are authentic and meaningful for children and families; and
importance of an infrastructure of policy and adequate resources to support delivery of high quality, developmentally appropriate programs for all children.

This publication is used as a guide for all laboratory hands-on experiences in the Child Development and Family Studies program. It can be ordered through the NAEYC publication department.