Basic Aspects of Developmentally Appropriate Practices

The new edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Position Statement calls these "Core Considerations" and discusses them in the context of making decisions in the classroom. First consider "What is known about child development and learning..", second "What is known about each child as an individual..." and finally "What is known about the social and cultural context in which the child lives....".

As I think about this core, I am reminded of how I spent my Friday last week in an all day training session focusing on the tool our state developed to evaluate how effective the programs are that our tax dollars support. This evaluation tool (DRDP) has recently been revised to match the work the state has done related to the first aspect of DAP "What is known about child development and learning", California calls these foundations. I am pleased to say that the training on Friday revolved around gathering information to determine the other two aspects of DAP knowing the individual child and their social and cultural context. The key words the trainers wanted us to remember are "review and reflect". Both are essential to Developmentally Appropriate Practices!

Critical Issues in the Position Statment and Issues in California

As you begin reading the official Position Statement regarding Developmentally Appropriate Practices you will find a section titled "Critical issues in the current context". A subheading of that section is "Reducing the learning gaps and increasing the achievement of all children." You will find a similar statement in the Master Plan for Education in the state of California:"closing the school readiness gap."

The California Department of Education understands that learning and development that occurs before Kindergarten influences long term learning outcomes in K - 12th Grade. To address this issue The California Infant/Toddler and Preschool Learning and Development System has been established. The system includes Program Guidelines, Developmental Foundations (age expectations), Curriculum Frameworks (dealing with instruction) and Desired Results (assessment and evaluation).

If you are interested in finding out more about the California Learning and Development System visit the WebSites indicated in the right hand margins.