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Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Position Statement

National Association for the Education of Young Children

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Each and every child, birth through age 8, has the right to equitable learning opportunities—in centers, family child care homes, or schools—that fully support their optimal development and learning across all domains and content areas. Children are born eager to learn; they take delight exploring their world and making connections. The degree to which early learning programs support children’s delight and wonder in learning reflects the quality of that setting. Educators who engage in developmentally appropriate practice foster young children’s joyful learning and maximize the opportunities for each and every child to achieve their full potential.

This position statement, one of five foundational documents developed by NAEYC in collaboration with the early childhood profession to advance high-quality early learning for all young children, defines developmentally appropriate and explains principles of child development and learning. To support educators’ use of developmentally appropriate practice, this statement also identifies guidelines for decision making in six key areas of responsibility.

NAEYC also produced a related resource, What Does high-Quality Kindergarten Look Like?

Published

April 1, 2020

Topic

Transforming Kindergarten

Category

Evidence Base & Research

Audience

Educators & Caregivers Local Leaders States & Policymakers

Resource Type

Knowledge/Articles

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Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety
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    • Comprehensive School Safety
    • Alignment, Coherence, and Strategic Communication
  • State Profiles
  • Resources
  • News
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  • About
    • Our Work
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us

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