Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Case studies provide real-world examples that make for rich discussions and greater learning in educational and professional development settings. Engage with case studies on developmentally appropriate practice to enhance your knowledge and skills.   

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) requires a nuanced understanding of child development, individual children, and the social and cultural contexts of children, families, and educators. This casebook presents nearly 50 cases addressing infancy through third grade and across multiple, diverse settings. Written and edited by teacher educators, researchers, classroom teachers, and other early childhood professionals, these cases offer unique opportunities for critical thinking and discussion on practice that supports all children and families.   

The cases are organized into eight parts that reflect the six guidelines of DAP plus the topics of supporting children with disabilities and supporting dual language learners. Brief overviews of each guideline and the additional topics set the stage for study of the cases.   

Each case provides an opportunity to  

• Make connections to the fourth edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs  

• Think critically about the influence of context on educator, child, and family actions  

• Discuss the effectiveness of the teaching practices and how they might be improved  

• Support your responses with evidence from the DAP position statement and book  

• Explore next steps beyond the case details  

• Apply the learning to your own situation  

Use this book as a companion to the fourth edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs in higher education coursework, as professional development in programs, or for stand-alone study.