DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE

There are three main areas of DAP: age appropriate, unique to the individual and meaningful, relevant, and respectful for each child and family.
        
As educators, we know enough about children to make a broad assumption on their typical behaviors in certain age groups. With this information we can make decisions ahead of time regarding materials, room set up and activities.  Within an age group we need to understand each individual in   order that we can be responsive in a manner appropriate for that child.  We can learn more about each child through observations, clinical work and talking with families.
        
Lastly, we can incorporate each family’s traditions or cultural backgrounds using direct teaching from the parents.  We can also address different cultural backgrounds through our teaching which educates the whole class and helps them respect a diverse group of children.
        
Teachers must be intentional in all they do, right down to how they set up their environment.  Through these three areas teachers can see each child as they are in order to make their learning experience have the most impact.  DAP ensures that your child isn’t receiving a cookie  cutter education, but rather a unique learning experience where the teacher meets them where they are and helps brings them forward.