developmentally appropriate practice

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is a child-centered approach to teaching and learning that incorporates children’s developmental needs, interests, and abilities. As educators, we use DAP to support children’s holistic development and help them achieve their full potential. To implement DAP in the classroom, we:

INDIVIDUALIZE INSTRUCTION

Think about children as individuals and how they progress and grow at their own pace.

• Understand child development for your class’s age range and when to get additional help or support for a child outside developmental norms.
• Celebrate developmental strengths.
• Work on areas of challenge or need for a particular child.
• Match activities and lessons to a child’s interest and developmental needs. This helps children engage more with the learning materials and achieve better learning outcomes.

ENCOURAGE ACTIVE LEARNING

Allow children to construct their own knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. Active learning can include hands-on experiences, problem-solving activities, and open-ended questioning.

BUILD SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE

Acknowledge the unique abilities and strengths of each child, which can build self-esteem and confidence. Children who are confident are more likely to participate in learning activities and take risks in their learning.

SUPPORT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Facilitate play activities that encourage children to work together and practice communication and problem-solving skills. Young children are developing their social skills and need opportunities to interact with their peers. Practice through play can lead to better social skills, improved emotional regulation, and increased empathy and understanding of others.

PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY AND EQUITY

Take time to get to know and understand the children you work with through their culture, community, and family. This promotes inclusivity and equity by creating a classroom environment that values and respects all children and their backgrounds.

FOSTER CREATIVITY

Provide open-ended activities that allow children to express themselves through art, music, and movement. Young children are naturally curious and creative.