Thanks to all of you who’ve responded to our joint surveys with The CAYL Institute. The new May survey focuses on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We feel it is critical that the field of early childhood is defined from the inside out: your voices are needed!

Complete the Survey

In a recent article, a small group of ROW Initiative members shared their collective reflections on DAP, including the NAEYC position statement on DAP, centered on the core concepts of Commonality, Individuality, and Context:“When we explore the child development process, what research are we referencing? We follow curriculum, use our research tools, and have preached ‘Best Practice,’ but are we acknowledging human development from around the globe?”

Francis Wardle has critiqued the removal of the phrase ‘best practices’ from NAEYC’s 4th edition position statement on DAP, arguing:

“While I have always advocated for the continued deconstruction of how we engage with young children, especially regarding approaches to diversity and academic practice (Wardle, 2017, 2018a, 2018b), I deeply believe that when we discuss how to support and encourage the development and learning of young children, there are absolutes.”

I personally love these kind of conversations that make me rethink assumptions that have settled into my head over the years. The Exchange-CAYL survey invites you to share your perspectives on “major problems of practice” in DAP. We invite you into the kind of safe space for open dialogue, brainstorming, and experimenting that Demetria Joyce advocates for in the quote above to share your thoughts!