How do these previously discussed perspectives shape the way we raise and educate children?

In 1989, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) set out to answer just this question. NAEYC published its first position statement related to Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), and while many other advocacy agencies have also sought to define developmentally appropriate practice, NAEYC’s position is considered the gold standard and most widely accepted. NAEYC has since updated its position in order to remain current with and responsive to new research developments. According to NAEYC,

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a framework designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. To make decisions that reflect best practices, educators take into consideration what they know about:

• child development and learning
• each child as an individual
• each child’s social and cultural context

These three guiding principles are used in all high-quality early childhood programs and are reflected throughout this text (NAEYC, 2022).