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

Clear, Relevant, Evidence-Based Guidance to Support Early Childhood Educators 

Academic's Choice Awards Smart Book Winner.  Developmentally appropriate practice is the foundation on which quality early learning is built. The fourth edition of this classic, influential text addresses developmentally appropriate practice within the context of the ever-changing and evolving world of early childhood education. With a strong focus on equity and teaching and supporting all children, it underscores the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts of development.  

Research Based 

Based on what the research says about child development, how children learn, and effective practices-as well as what professional experience tells the field about intentional teaching—this book provides a thorough discussion of the core considerations, principles, and guidelines that inform educators' decision making. You’ll find extensive examples of effective approaches for teaching children across the early childhood spectrum as well as specific examples for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and children in the primary grades. 

Even More Resources for Early Childhood Professionals 

This edition provides a comprehensive approach to implementing practices that ensure all young children have access to high-quality early learning. New resources in the book and online support higher education faculty, K-3 leaders, and early childhood educators in extending their own and others’ knowledge and application of developmentally appropriate practice. 

For higher education faculty:

 • Suggested activities, assignments, and reflections that correspond to specific content in the book, key areas of practice in NAEYC’s position statement on developmentally appropriate practice, and the professional standards and competencies

 • A test bank to create quick quizzes 

For K–3 leaders: 

• Considerations for incorporating developmentally appropriate practice into K–3 schools and programs, including those that provide pre-K, to foster children’s joyful learning and maximize learning opportunities for all children

For early childhood educators: 

• Tips and resources for engaging with content in the book, extending learning with additional resources, and collaborating with others in the early childhood learning community