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. 

Most Recent

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
Members Only
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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someone taking a picture of a drawing
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 3, 2022

Technology Guidelines Support Preschool Creativity

Here are additional ways you can support and inspire children’s creativity with technology.

Authored by

Authored by: Victoria B. Fantozzi
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children drawing
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 3, 2022

Harnessing Potential: Integrating Technology and Media in Preschool

However, decades of research and professional practice point to the potential of technology and media, especially when the content is of high quality and created for educational purposes with young children.

Authored by

Authored by: Rachel Konerman Jennifer Horwitz Sarah Clancy Carmen Rietta
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the cover of the publication Teaching young children, Volume 15, Number 2
Issue
Teaching Young Children
Vol. 15, No. 2
January 3, 2022

Winter 2022

What Is Developmentally Appropriate Technology for Preschool?
Teaching Young Children is NAEYC's magazine for anyone who works with preschoolers. Colorful, informative, and easy-to-read, TYC is packed full of teaching ideas, strategies, and tips.
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a child in a wheelchair exiting a bus
Article
Young Children
December 1, 2021

Teaching Young Children About Disability

In this article, I explore how young children develop attitudes and understandings about disability.

Authored by

Authored by: Sue Mankiw
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a child playing with blocks
Article
Young Children
December 1, 2021

Embedded Learning Opportunities for Children with and Without Disabilities

To be effective, individualized teaching includes a child’s entire educational team—teachers, specialists, and other professionals who collect assessment information, identify learning outcomes, use instructional strategies, and monitor progress.

Authored by

Authored by: Christan G. Coogle Emily R. Lakey Jennifer R. Ottley Jennifer A. Brown Mollie K. Romano
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children fingerpainting
Article
Young Children
December 1, 2021

Individuality and Inclusive Practices for Early Childhood

This cluster of Young Children articles takes up that call by digging deeper into the core consideration of individuality and guidelines related to inclusion and offering in-depth descriptions of approaches to meet each child where they are.

Authored by

Authored by: Annie Moses
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