Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition (Fully Revised and Updated)

Continuing its path-breaking tradition, the fourth edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice is fresh and remarkably resonant with contemporary issues; it is ethically provocative and practically useful. Elevating the importance of cultural, social, and educational contexts, this edition beckons intentional reflection on the role and transcendence of bias in inhibiting the creation of just learning opportunities and a just society. To advance this hard and necessary work, this edition also offers practical guideposts, including rich examples and probing discussion questions. Its elegant nine principles of development and learning render it an unparalleled gift to the profession.

 —Sharon Lynn Kagan, Marx Professor of Early Childhood and Family Policy, Teachers College, Columbia University

This work fully supports our practice in the field of early learning and care. Educators of children from birth to age 8 will use this information to learn applicable skills for teaching through developmentally appropriate practices that build brains during the critical first five years of life. 

 —Barbara J. Cooper, Secretary, Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education

This newest edition provides a wealth of information for both new and experienced teachers. From emphasizing a both/and approach to incorporating strengths-based intentional teaching, this book guides early childhood professionals to refine and reflect on the decisions they make every day that impact young children.

 —Debbie Pischke, Early Childhood Director, Peoria Unified School District

Yet again, NAEYC has struck the perfect balance between what practitioners in the field need and what researchers and administrators will use to apply developmentally appropriate practice. The timeliness of the updates toward equity allows us all to deliver on the sacred promise to make early childhood matter most.

 —Edward J. Manuszak II, Superintendent, Dundee Community Schools, and Early Learning Cohort Co-Chair, The School Superintendents Association (AASA)

The authors of this book wisely remind us of three foundational pillars: Children have universal needs, even as each child yearns be seen and heard; teaching practices are fruitful when planted in relationships; and we learn and grow best in a reciprocal partnership among educators, families, and communities.

 —Junlei Li, Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Co-Chair of the Human Development and Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education

If educators intentionally meet children where they are and implement NAEYC’s updated guidelines and recommendations for developmentally appropriate practice, there is no question that children will have meaningful opportunities to thrive in joyful learning environments where inclusive, research-based, high-quality early education is the norm and not the exception. This must be the goal of all early childhood education programs, but it requires unwavering support from funders, policymakers, administrators, teaching practitioners, and the private sector.

 —Maria-Isabel Ballivian, Executive Director, Annandale Christian Community for Action Child Development Center

I really appreciate the organization and layout of the book, with learning objectives and thought questions at the beginning of each chapter and opportunities to reflect at the end. Overall, I am pleased to see the evolution of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and its inclusive move from an either/or to a both/and way of looking at how early childhood professionals can better serve children and families. I am looking forward to using this book in the classes I teach.

 —Benita Flores-Munoz, Professor of Child Development, Del Mar College

Schools are complex organizations and young children are complex human beings. Ensuring that organizations are designed for the children they serve is at the heart of developmentally appropriate practice. All administrators should read this book and consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of their approach.

 —Vincent J. Costanza, Principal, Metuchen Public Schools

This volume uses research and teaching experience to describe the balance needed in today’s programs for young children. The avoidance of either/or positions in pedagogy, culture and language, and family involvement make it perfect for teachers and students.

 —Barbara T. Bowman, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development, Erikson Institute

Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” The revised edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice invites educators to discover the whys of their decision making, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social contexts in which relationships and learning are built.

 —Margarita Marichal-Lugo, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, Inter American University of Puerto Rico

As a long-time consumer of NAEYC resources, especially content related to developmentally appropriate practice, it is encouraging to see the evolution of thought from “best practices” to a model that recognizes the complex needs and inherent strengths of each and every child and family.

 —Dina Walker-DeVose, Associate Professor of Child and Family Development, Georgia Southern University

Intentionality—this is the word that best describes the focus of the latest edition of this foundational text. Early childhood educators have a pedagogical tool that recognizes the strength of both/and approach to teaching and learning.

 —Meghan Gowin, Primary Teacher, Uplift Ascend Primary, and Doctoral Candidate, Texas A&M University-Commerce