I interviewed two professionals about the focus of my research paper which is Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). The first person I interviewed is the assessment manager for the Head Start where I am employed. The second person I interviewed is a lead teacher for Head Start. They both thought that Developmentally Appropriate Practice is an area that could use advocacy and that it would be a great focus for my paper.
The teacher I interviewed thought that a couple related topics of my area of interest would be how to promote DAP in each area of learning and individualization with each child. She finds that it is a struggle to find the time during the day to meet every child's individual needs, especially when you have children with IEP's and special needs in the classroom.
The assessment manager thought that a current issue related to this topic is being able to plan appropriate activities using our curriculum and assessment tools. Some of the teachers do not follow the curriculum and plan activities that are not appropriate for the age level they are working with. She stressed the importance of planning individual activities to help nurture the development of the children.
These interviews have shown me that planning appropriate activities and using individualization are very important topics related to my area of interest. I think that the three related topics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice I am going to focus on are planning appropriate activities in the classroom, assessments, and educating families about development and learning.
If anyone has any suggestions regarding DAP or any related topics, I would greatly appreciate them!
Hello LuAnne.
ReplyDeleteI think you have chosen an important issue to advocate for on behalf of early childhood education. I believe that as you stated, both parents and teachers can be aided by becoming more knowledgeable about developmentally appropriate practice. As the assessment manager you interview stated, I am sure many teachers miss the mark on what is developmentally appropriate for their students. That is one reason I have selected assessment as my topic. I believe that only by first assessing our students will we be able to understand what they know and where they are developmentally and then be able to plan appropriate curriculum to meet their individual needs. I also think that parents are often unaware of what is developmentally appropriate for their children. There is a strong push for academics in preschool; parents and their children will benefit from gaining knowledge about how young children learn best. Great topic and I am excited to read more as you continue on!
I agree with what the Head Start and Assessment Manager when they said, "Developmentally Appropriate Practices is a great focus. There is so much you can do with this topic. It is hard to try and meet each need of the child if you don't have the right kind of support you need. Some of the current issues are planning appropriate practices. You want to focus on all the domains of learning as well as provide the child with strategic planning opportunities that would meet the needs of the child. Your topic is ideal for what it is you want to advocate on behalf of the children and families you come into contact with.
DeleteBy the way, My name is Ella. I enjoyed reading your blog.
I agree with what the Head Start and Assessment Manager when they said, " Developmentally Appropriate Practices is a great focus. There is so much you can do with this topic. It is hard to try and meet each need of the child if you don't have the right kind of support you need. Some of the current issues are planning appropriate practices. You want to focus on all the domains of learning as well as provide the chid with strategic planning opportunities that would meet the needs of the child. Your topic is ideal for what it is you want to advocate on behalf of the children and families you come into contact with.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, My name is Ella. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Hi LuAnne,
ReplyDeleteI think this is such a good topic. I would like to know why DAP isn't mandated across the state, sort of the way DCFS ( in Illinois) mandates certain things.
Are they using DAP at this school? I am anxious to understand what exactly DAP is and why many at the early childhood level talk about it because at the elementary/middle/high school level it is not discussed at all. Is it similar to differentiated instruction?
ReplyDelete