Mar 17, 2025 · The DAP framework is grounded both in the research on child development and learning and in knowledge about educational effectiveness and promotes young children’s …

NAEYC defines “developmentally appropriate practice” as methods that promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, …

This statement’s primary focus is on the decisions early childhood educators make that result in developmentally appropriate practice.

DAP with Infants and Toddlers, Ages Birth - 3 The earliest years are all about relationships. Infants and toddlers crave and develop attachments to the special people in their lives. …

DAP with Preschoolers, Ages 3-5 Preschool children learn best when they have positive and caring relationships with adults and other children; when they receive carefully planned, …

Developmentally appropriate practice requires early childhood educators to seek out and gain knowledge and understanding using three core considerations: commonality, individuality, and …

This position statement, one of five foundational documents developed by NAEYC in collaboration with the early childhood profession to advance high-quality early learning for all young …

Developmentally appropriate practice is the foundation on which quality early learning is built. The fourth edition of this classic, influential text addresses developmentally appropriate practice …

NAEYC’s guidelines and recommendations for developmentally appropriate practice are based on the following nine principles and their implications for early childhood education professional …

For Educators The fourth edition of the developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) position statement and book reflect new research that underscores the importance of social, cultural, …