01: What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice?
Intentionality in DAP
Now that we have defined DAP, let’s talk about why it is important to intentionally create developmentally appropriate practices in our child development programs. NAEYC points out that “every day, early childhood practitioners make a great many decisions, both long-term and short-term. And as they do so, they need to keep in mind the identified goals for children’s learning and development and be intentional in helping children achieve these goals.
The core of developmentally appropriate practice lies in this intentionality, in the knowledge that practitioners consider when they are making decisions, and in their always aiming for goals that are both challenging and achievable for children” (NAEYC, 2009, p. 9). Therefore, when considering the intentionality of creating developmentally appropriate practices, there are three key considerations we need to remember:
What are some ways that can help ensure that we think through the intentionality of our practice? Share your thoughts and ideas!