Discusses the concept of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and common misconceptions about it. DAP stresses that child care workers need to treat all children as individuals; gain specialized knowledge about child development; and respect children's ability to carry out their duties effectively. (MDM)

Summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles relating to topics examined in this issue of the Early Childhood Research Quarterly. (BG)

Addresses four concerns raised by Bredekamp in her commentary on an earlier article by Fowell and Lawton. The earlier article proposed an alternative view of developmentally appropriate practices to that expressed in a position paper of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (BB)

Reviews literature to describe young children's pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range, and outlines developmentally appropriate practice. Identifies internal and external influences on pitch-matching accuracy and vocal range. Suggests that children's musical development should be considered in a dynamic way and that what is called…

Draws on the insights of John Dewey to argue that the contrast between developmental appropriateness and academic rigor is an untenable dualism. Considers directions for middle school renewal that unite these two concepts. (JPB)

Explores the integration of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice (DCAP) within early childhood teachers' initial preparation and suggests DCAP's place in veteran practitioners' professional development. Presents a cycle of inquiry-oriented reflective supervision for DCAP that includes self-examination, reflective discussion,…

Responds to Lubeck's critique of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) guidelines and their underlying premises. Maintains that guidelines are a starting point for decision making, that not all DAP classrooms look the same, and that it is important for early childhood educators to be knowledgeable regarding developmental milestones.…

This article deals with playthings and equipment that encourage child initiated play. Physical objects refer to concrete items within the play setting, such as balls, bats, craft supplies, playground equipment, musical instruments, and so forth. Social objects are other people, such as leaders, friends, teachers, and other participants. People are…

This study examines the psychometric properties of an observer measure of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for early elementary school classrooms, known as A Developmentally Appropriate Practices Template (ADAPT). Using a sample of 854-1511 first through third grade classrooms in 207-295 schools across 3 years, the study evaluates the…

Since the development of the Keating Government's national statements and profiles, during the early to mid 90s, all Australian states and territories, to a greater or lesser degree, have adopted an outcomes-based education approach to school curriculum. Drawing on the writings of the US academic, William Spady, and in opposition to the more…

This article describes the independent study project of a student who was a graduate assistant in a child development laboratory preschool when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast area. Through her experiences with "Project Katrina" she deepens her understanding of developmentally appropriate practices as she learns firsthand about…

This article discusses the topic of early identification and intervention to accelerate learning for young children. It presents the author's reflections on issues and school psychology's role in early care childhood care and education. It focuses on four central themes or issues which require resolution about early childhood care and education…

Noting that the identification of exceptional potential in young children must become a better informed process in order to provide appropriate schooling to develop that potential, the purpose of this study was to extend knowledge of the many ways in which emerging gifted ability in children from diverse backgrounds may show itself in home and…

It is suspected that educators have many interpretations of developmentally appropriate practice and, therefore, a wide variety of practices exist in classrooms labeled "developmentally appropriate." This study investigated daily practices of 10 full-day public school kindergarten programs identified as "developmentally appropriate" by teachers or…

A literature review on developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten and remedies for inappropriate practices was conducted. The review resulted in four sets of annotated references: (1) a total of 18 annotations concerning factors influencing the developmental point of view; (2) a total of 14 annotations dealing with the effects of…