Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is a framework designed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Their goal is to promote the optimal learning and development of young children in the various early childhood settings represented on the NE/LRE Community Circle.

The DAP framework provides early childhood implementation teams with principles and guidelines to ensure that young children develop and learn, acquiring the skills and knowledge they need to progress and achieve in school and participate in home and community life.
 

“…developmentally appropriate practice is the result of myriad decisions at all levels—by policy makers, administrators, teachers, and families about the care and education of young children. Effective early childhood professionals draw on all the principles of child development and learning outlined, as well as the knowledge base on effective practices, and they apply the information in their practice.“ NAEYC, 2009, p. 16