Student Understanding and Utilization of Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Abstract

Early childhood educators need to understand developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to be effective. This study was designed to address teachers’ perceptions related to the delivery of instruction related to DAP as well as student understanding of this practice. Teachers’ perceptions were compared with students’ proficiency scores from the Career and Technical Education Early Childhood I North Carolina State Assessment. Early Childhood I is a workforce development course that focuses on teaching practices. It is one of two courses offering high school students the opportunity to earn the Early Childhood Education Credential Equivalency, enabling completers to serve as lead teachers in child care settings in North Carolina.