Are developmentally appropriate practices compatible with what we know to be effective practices in early childhood special education?
Although some differences in philosophy serve as a foundation for ECE and ECSE practices, the DAP guidelines do appear to be compatible with ECSE practices. As reported by McLean and Odom (1993) after reviewing the NAEYC and DEC recommended practice documents, there appear to be no major areas of direct disagreement or conflict between the two sets of recommended practices. In some areas, there are differences such as the IEP and IFSP requirement, the emphasis placed on working with families, and the number of professionals involved from across disciplines. These differences, however, appear to be a matter of degree of emphasis rather than incompatible practices.
Related Questions
- Are developmentally appropriate practices compatible with what we know to be effective practices in early childhood special education?
- What examples have you seen of effective partnerships between parents, teachers, and community members in early childhood programs?
- Why is it important for early childhood professionals to engage in developmentally appropriate practices (DAP)?
