Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)
Ken Breeding
A Foundation for Positive Guidance
The concept of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is central to the field of early childhood education. First introduced in 1987 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), DAP was developed in response to growing concerns about increasingly rigid, “one-size-fits-all” approaches to early education that pushed academics without regard for young children’s developmental readiness. Since then, NAEYC has continued to refine the framework, with major updates in 1997, 2009, and most recently in 2020, reflecting new research on child development, equity, and effective teaching practices (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009; NAEYC, 2020).
Key Takeaways
At its core, DAP is built on three interrelated considerations:
- What is known about child development and learning—the universal patterns of growth that guide what children are ready for at various ages.
- What is known about each individual child—their unique abilities, interests, and experiences.
- What is known about the social and cultural contexts in which children live—the values, expectations, and practices that shape their daily lives.
This framework ensures that teaching practices and classroom guidance are not only grounded in developmental science but also responsive to the real lives of the children being served.
The importance of DAP becomes especially clear when thinking about guidance and behavior. When expectations are mismatched with children’s developmental capacities, frustration and misbehavior often result. For example, requiring three-year-olds to sit quietly for a long, teacher-directed lesson is developmentally inappropriate and sets the stage for restlessness, defiance, or shame. In contrast, when teachers design environments and interactions that align with children’s abilities—providing hands-on learning, movement, choice, and opportunities for play, children are more likely to engage positively and demonstrate cooperation, persistence, and empathy.
Thus, DAP is not only a framework for curriculum and teaching, but also a foundation for positive guidance. It shifts the adult’s role from controlling behavior to supporting growth, offering environments and expectations that help children succeed. By respecting developmental readiness, honoring individuality, and valuing cultural context, DAP fosters classrooms where children feel capable, supported, and motivated to learn, conditions that naturally lead to more positive behavior and stronger relationships.
References
- Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (Eds.). (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (3rd ed.). National Association for the Education of Young Children.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2020). Developmentally appropriate practice position statement.
