What does Developmentally Appropriate Practice emphasize regarding teachers?

Developmentally Appropriate Practice emphasizes the importance of intentional actions in building relationships between teachers and children. This approach recognizes that fostering strong, supportive relationships is crucial for children's emotional and social development. When teachers are intentional about their interactions, they can create a nurturing environment that encourages learning and exploration. This practice involves understanding each child's individual needs, interests, and abilities, which allows teachers to engage with children in meaningful ways that promote their development comprehensively.

In this context, while routine and structure provide helpful frameworks for children, and flexibility in the curriculum allows for responsiveness to children's needs, the primary focus is on the intentionality behind the relationships that educators build with their students. Standardized lesson plans for all students, on the other hand, do not align with the fundamental principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, which advocates for differentiation based on individual children's development and learning styles. Hence, the emphasis on intentional actions in building relationships is what sets this approach apart as a key component in effective early childhood education.