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Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Professional Development Session

Format: Mixed model, 2 hour interactive session; Prior to the session: read background information, articles and handouts. During the session, view the DVD selection, discussion, and group work.

The term developmentally appropriate practice, or DAP for short, refers to a framework of principles and guidelines for practice that promotes young children's optimal learning and development (NAEYC, 2009). Prior to the session, participants access and read the background information, articles and handouts. During the interactive session, participants view the video What Does Developmentally Appropriate Practice Look Like? Participants will develop a Job Aid to use when visiting programs to assist them in focusing on critical elements of good practice.

Resources

	Background Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (NAEYC) What Does Developmentally Appropriate Practice Look Like (from the DVD included in the Developmentally Appropriate Practice resource)
	Articles Critical Issue: Organizing for effective early childhood programs and practices (NCREL) Developmentally Appropriate Practice: What does research tell us? (NAEYC)
	Handouts Developmentally Appropriate Practice--Overview (NAEYC) DAP Frequently Asked Questions (NAEYC) 2009 NAEYC Postion Statement: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (NAEYC) Play: it’s the way young children learn (Children's Advocate)