ECS 320 Thompson & Ramirez-

The Early Years

Introduction

  • Timeframe: 1980s - Shift towards pushing academic content into PreK.

  • Organization: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) advocated for early education.

  • Key Document: Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) - guidance for educators of children up to 8 years.

Principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

  • Core Considerations:

    • Commonality: Typical ages and stages of development.

    • Individuality: Unique developmental needs of each child.

    • Context: Social and cultural factors affecting development.

Historical Development of DAP

  • 1987 Edition: Focused on inappropriate versus appropriate practices, aiming to prevent harmful methods used in early education.

  • 1997 Edition: Emphasized positivity and adaptation to children's diverse needs, added recognition of cultural context.

  • 2009 Edition: Continued focus on typical needs and “best practices.”

New Developments in 2020 DAP

  • Linear Development Rejected: Development seen as waves and cycles, not linear.

  • Emphasis on Context: Raised importance on recognizing cultural and individual backgrounds.

Core Principles of DAP (2020)

  1. Interplay of Nature & Nurture: Child development reflects both biological and environmental factors.

  2. Integrated Development: Domains of development are interconnected.

  3. Play's Importance: Play fosters joyful learning.

  4. Cultural Context Matters: Each child's unique background counts.

  5. Active Learning: Children should engage actively in their learning.

  6. Belonging Matters: Environments that foster belonging enhance learning motivation.

  7. Integrated Learning: Learning should cut across various disciplines.

  8. Just Beyond Mastery: Children develop when challenged just beyond their current abilities.

  9. Technology as a Tool: When used thoughtfully, technology can enhance learning.

Educators' Responsibilities

  • Follow the Child: Use observation to understand each child's context and needs.

  • Addressing Biases: Educators should confront personal biases to support diverse learners effectively.

  • Child-Centered Focus: Promote an environment prioritizing the joy and curiosity of child-led learning.