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What is DAP?

DAP stands for Developmentally Appropriate Practice.  What this means is children need to learn in a way that is meaningful to them.  For instance, a preschool child may learn about apples by looking at a picture of an apple, but they will learn more about an apple if you give them an apple.  This is the principal behind DAP.  Used properly, DAP helps to ensure children develop the skills they need to be successful in their journey through life.

Preschool learning is about discovering through science and math.  It's about developing language skills, social skills, self-help skills, fine and gross motor skills, and most importantly it's about developing a good self-esteem.  All this can be learned through play, providing it's meaningful.  It is not our job to teach the children the skills they need, but rather to guide them in the direction they need to go to learn these skills for themselves.

Most activities should be open-ended to allow the children the opportunity for self-discovery as well as self-accomplishment.

If a program is done correctly, children will also learn fundamental basics (A,B,C's, etc.).  The difference between DAP teaching and traditional teaching is they will learn them in a more meaningful way.