NAEYC: Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

 

At a very young age children are curious about the world around them. They are born curious and naturally explore the world around them. As children get older there are many things that impact their curiosity. 

What impacts curiosity? 

Environment                                Time                                        Adult Relationships

Activities                                     Culture                                     Peer Relationships 

Safety and Security                      Brain Development                 Social Development 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy and research. They have revised their position statement that was first published about 40 years ago. 

NAEYCs newest addition is reflective of the newest research regarding the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts of development. It has an elevated emphasis for the need of active engagement through play, exploration and inquiry which supports teaching and learning for the whole child. You can find the new statement on the NAEYC website and share on social media using the hashtag #naeycDAP. 

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

― Fred Rogers