Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Preschoolers

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a unique framework for educating young children. It was developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The main objective of this educational framework is to ensure the best learning and development for young kids (Kim, 2011). To create a community of learners that cares; I would build a classroom community. I have learnt that peer interaction is common and that as a teacher; I should provide the opportunity for all children to work together by encouraging them to assist one another and develop positive relationships with others. This enables the children to respect both their individual and cultural differences while acquiring critical skills and knowledge that enable them to effectively function in the society (Kim, 2011).  To enhance development and learning, I would offer all the assistance needed by a child to progress such as through modeling, demonstrating, explaining, providing direct information, coaching and any other necessary form of assistance it is important to have high quality pre-school programs. This is because early education is an important stage for the education of children (Kim, 2011). Therefore, I would also incorporate various active, intellectually engaging strategies which include posting problems and pointing out the available discrepancies. It should also include asking thought-provoking questions adding some complexity to the tasks and also engage the children in reciprocal discussions where children’s ideas are taken seriously.   In planning the curriculum to realize important goals, I would study and strive to understand important developmental areas such as social, cognitive, physical and emotional development. In each of these areas, I would ensure that the curriculum is consistent with achievable, high-quality but challenging early learning standards like the ones adopted at the state level. The curriculum will be tailored in order to achieve important goals related to child development.  To evaluate a child’s development and learning, I would ensure that I have the materials, time and required training for assessment. I would conduct the necessary and relevant tests after the successful completion of each developmental area. As a teacher, I would also make observations and identify the areas that the child is excelling well and the areas that need much more attention with additional help. To create shared relationships with the children families, I would develop personal relationship with each child and their parents or guardians. I will strive to understand the cultural context of various children in order to understand how to deal with them. As a teacher, it would also be important to involve family members in teacher-parent conferences as well as family activities (Kim, 2011). Providing opportunities which are able to develop a positive environment where the teacher, parent and child can interact effectively.

References

Kim, H.K. (2011). Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as defined and interpreted by early childhood preservice teachers: beliefs about DAP and influences of teacher education and field experience. SRATE Journal, 20(2), 14-19.