Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Preschool Teachers' Perceptions

Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Preschool Teachers' Perceptions PDF Author: Dorothy Jean Alexander
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Early childhood education
Languages : en
Pages : 284

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Book Description
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Position Statement of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (2009) serves as a pedagogical framework for best practice among early childhood educators. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is guided by what is known about how children develop and learn. Teachers draw upon these principles to make decisions about planning experiences which promote learning and optimize children's growth. The DAP statement is accepted in the early childhood field as the standard by which quality early learning experiences are defined and is used as a guidepost for planning (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009). Copple and Bredekamp (2009) state that "intentional teachers are purposeful and thoughtful about the actions they take, and they direct their teaching towards the goals the program is trying to help children reach" (p. 10). This qualitative descriptive study explored preschool teachers' perceptions of DAP and their use of DAP in planning learning experiences. Semi-structured interviews and document analyses were utilized to examine potential gaps between preschool teachers' perceptions and more fully understand daily planning decisions related to DAP. Utilizing Rubin and Rubin's responsive interviewing model (2012), (N=7) degreed preschool teachers employed at NAEYC accredited group care facilities were interviewed. Findings revealed inconsistencies among teachers' descriptions of key learning experiences for preschool children, implementation of learning experiences, and planning practices, thus, indicating a disconnect between theory and DAP. The findings of this study may benefit pre-service and in-service teacher training programs as well as administrators of childcare centers. It is useful in identifying ways in which preschool teachers' understandings of developmentally appropriate practice can be further supported and developmentally inappropriate perceptions can be challenged.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Preschool Teachers' Perceptions

Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Preschool Teachers' Perceptions PDF Author: Dorothy Jean Alexander
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Early childhood education
Languages : en
Pages : 284

Get Book Here

Book Description
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Position Statement of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (2009) serves as a pedagogical framework for best practice among early childhood educators. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is guided by what is known about how children develop and learn. Teachers draw upon these principles to make decisions about planning experiences which promote learning and optimize children's growth. The DAP statement is accepted in the early childhood field as the standard by which quality early learning experiences are defined and is used as a guidepost for planning (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009). Copple and Bredekamp (2009) state that "intentional teachers are purposeful and thoughtful about the actions they take, and they direct their teaching towards the goals the program is trying to help children reach" (p. 10). This qualitative descriptive study explored preschool teachers' perceptions of DAP and their use of DAP in planning learning experiences. Semi-structured interviews and document analyses were utilized to examine potential gaps between preschool teachers' perceptions and more fully understand daily planning decisions related to DAP. Utilizing Rubin and Rubin's responsive interviewing model (2012), (N=7) degreed preschool teachers employed at NAEYC accredited group care facilities were interviewed. Findings revealed inconsistencies among teachers' descriptions of key learning experiences for preschool children, implementation of learning experiences, and planning practices, thus, indicating a disconnect between theory and DAP. The findings of this study may benefit pre-service and in-service teacher training programs as well as administrators of childcare centers. It is useful in identifying ways in which preschool teachers' understandings of developmentally appropriate practice can be further supported and developmentally inappropriate perceptions can be challenged.

Preschool Teachers' Early Perceptions of Education for Sustainable Development in Early Childhood Education

Preschool Teachers' Early Perceptions of Education for Sustainable Development in Early Childhood Education PDF Author: Shannon S. Green
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
This study explored five preschool teachers' perceptions about Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Participating teachers provided a wide range of responses about ESD and its related subthemes. The findings of this study show that the participating teachers indicated a willingness to reflect on the principles of sustainable development, a commitment to developmentally appropriate practice, a value for participatory and problem-based curriculum, and appreciation for the benefits of community engagement. Teachers also expressed values of fairness and equality, and being open, honest, and matter-of-fact with children. Teachers were new to the ideas of interdependence, social justice, human rights, and economics education in ECE. The teachers expressed concerns about the inclusion of issues that they considered too complex for children, too personal, or potentially offensive. These findings can inform ideas for beginning professional development and further study for ESD in ECE.

From Play to Practice

From Play to Practice PDF Author: Marcia L. Nell
Publisher: National Association of Education of Young Children
ISBN: 9781928896937
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 123

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Book Description
Describes play workshop experiences that give educators a deeper understanding of play-based learning and illustrate the power of play.

Teachers' Perceptions of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Learning Programs

Teachers' Perceptions of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Learning Programs PDF Author: Andrea Watson Anderson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Child development
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description


Delaware Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Developmentally Appropriate Technology for Preschoolers

Delaware Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Developmentally Appropriate Technology for Preschoolers PDF Author: Lindsay VanHefter
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Early childhood education
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
This study investigated Delaware parent and teacher perceptions of developmentally appropriate technology usage for preschoolers. The study used a non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive design using a researcher-designed, web-based survey instrument. A sample of 300 teachers and 300 parents was invited to participate in the study, which returned 29 completed teacher questionnaires and 18 completed parent questionnaires. The results showed both similarities and differences between the perceptions of parents and teachers. Both groups had concerns about children using technology. Both groups allowed children to utilize technology while they were engaged in work-related tasks, but when children were using technology, about a quarter of parents and a quarter of teachers discussed what was on the screen with children. In general, teachers restricted television and movie watching much more than parents did. Teachers were also less likely to allow children to use technology in their presence than parents were. In conclusion, the results of the study suggest a need for professional development for early childhood teachers to learn about what types of developmentally appropriate practices align with expectations in the state's quality rating improvement system. The results of the study also suggest there is room for improvement in the parent and teacher communication regarding the usage of technology for young children, including what the expectations are for school and home introduction to technology. Additionally, the state could support these gaps by developing state standards related to technology exposure to guide teachers in their instruction of technology in the classroom.

The Importance of Being Little

The Importance of Being Little PDF Author: Erika Christakis
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0698195019
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 342

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Book Description
“Christakis . . . expertly weaves academic research, personal experience and anecdotal evidence into her book . . . a bracing and convincing case that early education has reached a point of crisis . . . her book is a rare thing: a serious work of research that also happens to be well-written and personal . . . engaging and important.” --Washington Post "What kids need from grown-ups (but aren't getting)...an impassioned plea for educators and parents to put down the worksheets and flash cards, ditch the tired craft projects (yes, you, Thanksgiving Handprint Turkey) and exotic vocabulary lessons, and double-down on one, simple word: play." --NPR The New York Times bestseller that provides a bold challenge to the conventional wisdom about early childhood, with a pragmatic program to encourage parents and teachers to rethink how and where young children learn best by taking the child’s eye view of the learning environment To a four-year-old watching bulldozers at a construction site or chasing butterflies in flight, the world is awash with promise. Little children come into the world hardwired to learn in virtually any setting and about any matter. Yet in today’s preschool and kindergarten classrooms, learning has been reduced to scripted lessons and suspect metrics that too often undervalue a child’s intelligence while overtaxing the child’s growing brain. These mismatched expectations wreak havoc on the family: parents fear that if they choose the “wrong” program, their child won’t get into the “right” college. But Yale early childhood expert Erika Christakis says our fears are wildly misplaced. Our anxiety about preparing and safeguarding our children’s future seems to have reached a fever pitch at a time when, ironically, science gives us more certainty than ever before that young children are exceptionally strong thinkers. In her pathbreaking book, Christakis explains what it’s like to be a young child in America today, in a world designed by and for adults, where we have confused schooling with learning. She offers real-life solutions to real-life issues, with nuance and direction that takes us far beyond the usual prescriptions for fewer tests, more play. She looks at children’s use of language, their artistic expressions, the way their imaginations grow, and how they build deep emotional bonds to stretch the boundaries of their small worlds. Rather than clutter their worlds with more and more stuff, sometimes the wisest course for us is to learn how to get out of their way. Christakis’s message is energizing and reassuring: young children are inherently powerful, and they (and their parents) will flourish when we learn new ways of restoring the vital early learning environment to one that is best suited to the littlest learners. This bold and pragmatic challenge to the conventional wisdom peels back the mystery of childhood, revealing a place that’s rich with possibility.

Teachers' Perceptions of Standards

Teachers' Perceptions of Standards PDF Author: Wonim Son
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
ISBN: 9783838339979
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
Caring, competent, and highly-qualified teachers are the most important factor contributing to P-12 education in the 21st century. Standards-based teacher education provides a road map for the preparation and ongoing professional development of teachers. It is important to know teacher's perceptions of teaching standards to improve standards-based teacher education programs which are based on developmentally appropriate practices. This book shares kindergarten teachers' perceptions of professional standards through a quantitative study conducted in the state of Indiana. Stakeholders in standards-based education reform, including principals, superintendents, teachers, college administrators, professors, and parents, can use this information to improve the teaching profession and benefit young children. This book sheds light on the relevance of professional teaching standards in the work of in-service early childhood educators.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs PDF Author: Sue Bredekamp
Publisher: National Assn for the Education
ISBN: 9780935989793
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
This volume spells out more fully the principles undergirding developmentally appropriate practice and guidelines for making decisions in the classroom for young children.

Diversity and Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Diversity and Developmentally Appropriate Practices PDF Author: Bruce L. Mallory
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780807732991
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 295

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Book Description
This work offers critiques of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practices.

How People Learn II

How People Learn II PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309459672
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 347

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Book Description
There are many reasons to be curious about the way people learn, and the past several decades have seen an explosion of research that has important implications for individual learning, schooling, workforce training, and policy. In 2000, How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition was published and its influence has been wide and deep. The report summarized insights on the nature of learning in school-aged children; described principles for the design of effective learning environments; and provided examples of how that could be implemented in the classroom. Since then, researchers have continued to investigate the nature of learning and have generated new findings related to the neurological processes involved in learning, individual and cultural variability related to learning, and educational technologies. In addition to expanding scientific understanding of the mechanisms of learning and how the brain adapts throughout the lifespan, there have been important discoveries about influences on learning, particularly sociocultural factors and the structure of learning environments. How People Learn II: Learners, Contexts, and Cultures provides a much-needed update incorporating insights gained from this research over the past decade. The book expands on the foundation laid out in the 2000 report and takes an in-depth look at the constellation of influences that affect individual learning. How People Learn II will become an indispensable resource to understand learning throughout the lifespan for educators of students and adults.