The document outlines 12 principles of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in early childhood education. The principles state that child development occurs across physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains; skills build on prior abilities in sequences; rates vary individually; development results from biology and experience; early experiences have long-term effects; complexity increases over time; secure relationships and peer interactions are important; culture and context influence development; children are active learners in various ways; play promotes learning and self-regulation; challenges that build on but exceed skills support growth; and motivation and dispositions shape learning.

1. Developmentally Appropriate Practice DAP Principles