NAEYC

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

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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 optimal learning and development. 

Highlights from the Revised DAP Position Statement

A child playing with toys in a classroom next to a teacher.

Core Considerations to Inform Decision Making

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A teacher observing young children who are exploring a map in a classroom.

Principles of Child Development and Learning and Implications That Inform Practice

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A teacher talking with a group of young children.

Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action: Using Knowledge of Child Development and Learning in Context

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DAP Resources

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Which DAP Resource Is for Me?

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Teacher plays with a young child using a drum

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: What Do Teachers Need to Know? (On Demand)

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Cover of Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice: An Introduction for Teachers of Kindergartners
Book

Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice: An Introduction for Teachers of Kindergartners

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More DAP Books & Resources

Most Recent

An unhappy child sitting at a table with others.
Article
Teaching Young Children
October 2, 2023

A Three-Step Approach to Help Children Navigate Conflict

Teachers can follow a three-step strategy to help children resolve conflicts and develop self-regulation skills.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Kyla McRoy, Hope K. Gerde, Laurie Linscott
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Children wearing backpacks head back to school.
Blog
August 30, 2023

New School Year; Guidance from DAP

Find a variety of DAP resources to prepare for back-to-school.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Susan Friedman
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a child playing in a box
Article
Young Children
June 1, 2022

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

This excerpt from Developmentally Appropriate Practice illustrates the ways in which play and learning mutually support one another and how teachers connect learning goals to children’s play.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Jennifer M. Zosh, Caroline Gaudreau, Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
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the cover of the publication young children, Volume 77, Number 2
Issue
Young Children
Vol. 77, No. 2
June 1, 2022

Summer 2022

DAP and Playful Learning: Equitable Approaches
This issue of Young Children delves into different aspects of play, different roles of educators during play, and the contexts of children and families with play.
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child with blocks
Article
Young Children
March 1, 2022

Rocking and Rolling: DAP in Action in an Infant-Toddler Setting

This Rocking and Rolling column presents an excerpt from NAEYC’s recently published Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Fourth Edition to help illustrate what DAP looks and sounds like in action.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Kathy Kinsner
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a woman on a computer
Blog
January 12, 2022

Using Technology to Support Early Science Teaching and Learning

The proper digital apps and tools can positively impact young children’s learning across home and early learning settings.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Ximena Dominguez, Regan Vidiksis, Jillian Orr, Danae Kamdar, Ashley Lewis Presser
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A teacher with a group of children holding tablets.
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 3, 2022

5X. Optimizing the Use of Media and Technology with Young Children

Educators can reflect on and plan anew how the appropriate use of digital technologies and media can promote young children’s learning and healthy development, particularly when embedded in strong relationships and joyful, engaging experiences.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Michael Levine
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