Would you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree? Young children (and their families) are sometimes judged in the Jewish community with a similarly effective metric. Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is an approach to teaching and learning that nurtures the growth of relationships and holistic development. In seeking to authentically understand and actively support the diverse needs of young children, practitioners of DAP are able to ‘work smarter’ — spend less time ‘working on’ programs for young children while increasing the impact of the work that is being invested. In this workshop, participants will explore the three core considerations of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): commonality, individuality, and context, and consider their implications for Jewish communities.
