DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practice)

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a framework for teaching and caregiving in early childhood programs, established and maintained by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). DAP is based on three core considerations: what is known about child development and learning at each age, what is known about each child as an individual, and what is known about the social and cultural contexts in which children live.

In practice, DAP means that teachers design learning experiences that are challenging but achievable for each child, use play as a primary vehicle for learning, build on children's interests and prior knowledge, and create supportive relationships that foster social-emotional development. DAP is not a specific curriculum but rather a set of principles that can be applied across different curricular approaches.

For childcare directors, implementing DAP is often a requirement for NAEYC accreditation and a positive indicator in QRIS assessments. Teachers trained in DAP are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of children in their classrooms, support dual-language learners, and include children with disabilities in meaningful learning experiences.