Teachers of infants and toddlers can use this resource to learn about developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) so they can apply DAP in their work with infants and toddlers. Filled with information, practical ideas, and inspiration, this is a book that every infant and toddler teacher will want! Chapters include: What Is Developmentally Appropriate Practice? Key messages of NAEYC's position statement To Be an Excellent Teacher Connecting DAP to excellent teaching Understanding Development of Infants and Toddleres Overview of infants' and toddlers' learning and development Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider Examples of key DAP practices, as well as contrasting practices that are less likely to serve children well FAQs About Developmentally Appropriate Practice Responses to common questions Young Children Articles Nine articles from Young Children that provide examples of applying developmentally appropriate practice when working with infants and toddlers.

Developmentally appropriate practice is so fundamental to the early childhood field that all new educators need a sound grasp from the very start. While DAP’s basic concepts aren’t difficult or arcane, they can be understood wrongly or incompletely—and often are! This engaging little book describes the core concepts and makes them meaningful to everyday practice for preschool teachers. College instructors, directors, and trainers will find this an invaluable tool for introducing learners to the foundation of the early childhood field.

Edited and compiled just for teachers, this resource explains developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) so teachers can apply DAP in their work with children in first, second, and third grades. Chapters include: What Is Developmentally Appropriate Practice? A brief introduction to the main ideas of DAP Teaching Children in First, Second, and Third Grades Connecting DAP to excellent teaching An Overview of Development in the Primary Grades Overview of learning and development in first, second, and third grades Developmentally Appropriate Examples to Consider Examples of key DAP practices, as well as contrasting practices that are less likely to serve children well Supporting Children’s Learning While Meeting Standards Connecting the standards to DAP Young Children Articles Ten articles from Young Children that provide examples of applying developmentally appropriate practice when working with children in first, second, and third grades.