Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a teaching approach used in early childhood education that matches how teachers teach with how young children develop and learn. Think of it as creating a learning environment that fits each child's age and individual needs, like choosing age-appropriate toys or activities. This approach is recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is widely used in preschools, daycare centers, and kindergartens. It's similar to other teaching approaches like play-based learning or child-centered education, but specifically focuses on matching activities to children's developmental stages.
Examples in Resumes
Designed and implemented Developmentally Appropriate Practice curriculum for a class of 18 preschoolers
Applied DAP principles to create engaging learning centers for toddlers
Trained new teachers in Developmentally Appropriate Practice methods and assessment
Used Developmentally Appropriate Practices to support diverse learning needs in mixed-age classrooms
Typical job title: "Early Childhood Educators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Early Childhood Educators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Lead Teacher/Director Level Questions
Q: How do you train other teachers to implement developmentally appropriate practices in their classrooms?
Expected Answer: Should discuss mentoring techniques, observation methods, providing constructive feedback, and sharing practical examples of DAP implementation across different age groups.
Q: How do you adapt DAP for children with special needs while maintaining inclusive practices?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to modify activities and environments while keeping them age-appropriate, working with specialists, and involving families in the process.
Experienced Teacher Level Questions
Q: How do you use DAP to support social-emotional development in your classroom?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific activities and strategies that help children develop friendships, manage emotions, and build self-confidence in age-appropriate ways.
Q: Give an example of how you've modified your teaching approach based on individual children's needs while following DAP principles.
Expected Answer: Should provide specific examples of adjusting activities or teaching methods to meet different learning styles while keeping activities appropriate for the age group.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What does developmentally appropriate practice mean to you?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic understanding that activities and expectations should match children's ages and individual development levels.
Q: How do you choose age-appropriate activities for young children?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic child development milestones and how to select activities that children can successfully complete at their age level.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of child development stages
- Creating simple age-appropriate lesson plans
- Following established DAP curriculum
- Basic classroom management skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Adapting curriculum for individual needs
- Assessment of child development
- Parent communication and engagement
- Implementing creative learning activities
Senior (5+ years)
- Curriculum development using DAP principles
- Mentoring other teachers
- Program evaluation and improvement
- Advanced behavior management strategies
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic child development stages
- Rigid, one-size-fits-all teaching approach
- Focus on academic skills without consideration for play-based learning
- Lack of experience with age-appropriate activities
- No understanding of individual learning differences
