Routines and transitions should be predictable and supportive.

Teachers should discourage questions to keep lessons on track.

Learning environments should encourage exploration and independence.

Children develop at the same rate and should meet milestones at the same time.

A developmentally appropriate environment includes child-sized furniture and materials.

Technology should never be used in early childhood classrooms.

Children benefit from having choices in their learning activities.

Outdoor play is not important in a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Teachers should serve as facilitators of learning rather than direct instructors only.

Emotional development is as important as academic learning.

Family involvement is discouraged in DAP classrooms.

Classroom materials should reflect diverse cultures and abilities.

The curriculum should be rigid and not change throughout the year.

Children need both structure and flexibility in their learning environments.

Teachers should observe and document children’s learning to inform instruction.

Every child learns in the same way and at the same pace.

Visual schedules can support children's understanding of daily routines.

Developmentally appropriate environments limit opportunities for peer interaction.

Learning centers should be clearly defined and accessible to children.

Teachers should build on children’s prior knowledge and experiences.