As a parent you need to know about 'DAP'!
'Developmentally appropriate practice' ('DAP')is a term bandied about within the early childhood sector. As parents, it's a term that we should be familiar with, as we can use it as a yardstick to determine whether what is being taught to our children is appropriate in terms of his/her/age and ability.
It is practice that works alongside any curriculum and has the power to change an educator's teaching style in a radical way (for good!). Remember that as parents, we are our child's very first educator.
At a minimum, developmentally appropriate practice:
Meets a child where he/she is; at their own point of need, be it cognitive, social, emotional or physical
Allows the educator to initiate practice that is suitable to a child's age and developmental stage
Ensures that the educator plans activities that are best suited to the children's learning and development and are, notably, challenging
Relies on knowledge of how children learn
If, as a parent, you are doing any supplementary work alongside what's going on in the classroom, this is something that you should be aware of, too.
Here are 3 questions posed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children ('NAEYC' 2015), to take on board when implementing developmentally appropriate practice.
Did I know everything I needed to know about my child today;
Did I notice my child’s mood, apparent health, and general sense of well-being and engagement?
Do the plans for today/this week build on what we did previously?
Sample Scenario: If you are reading with an early reader, ensure that he/she:
Is ready for the task
Is sitting comfortably
Has read, with confidence, the lower level of the reader on an earlier occasion
Take one step at a time to develop the way that you work alongside your child. Also, take the time to get things right, so that whatever you do compliments whats going on in the classroom. Speak to your child's teacher(s); they are often willing to guide and point you in the right direction.
Happy parenting!
