Understanding child development is essential to plan, support, and guide your interactions with children. In this course, you will familiarize yourself with the nine principles of child development as outlined in Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Then, hear from thought leader Dr. Iheoma Iruka as she shares her perspective on taking an equity-focused approach to understand and support child development.* Finally, apply what you've learned by identifying the principles in action as three educators share examples from their classroom practices.

* Dr. Iruka's presentation first appeared at the 2021 DAP Symposium

Learning Objectives:

• Review the underlying concept and research base to the nine principles and connect the principles to the first four guidelines for DAP.  
• Define the nine principles. 
• Apply the nine principles as you hear different educators talk about teaching practices as they apply to toddler, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten age children.