Developmentally Approriate Practice (DAP) As A Child Development-Oriented Learning Strategy

Abstract

Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a framework for early childhood learning strategies that is oriented towards the child's development, based on three key dimensions: age appropriateness, individual appropriateness, and culture appropriateness. Early Childhood Education (AUD) must align with the child's developmental stages and be facilitated through play, which serves as a crucial vehicle for the child's physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. This paper aims to analyze the implementation of DAP in AUD institutions, identify influencing factors and challenges encountered, propose solutions, and examine its impact on the developmental progress of young children. The findings conclude that DAP acts as a fundamental guide for teaching activities that are responsive to the child's learning stage and style. DAP-based learning holistically fosters children who are more active, creative, and capable of better problem-solving. Conversely, conventional approaches that overly focus on learning targets often neglect individual needs and may hinder optimal development. It is suggested that PAUD teachers consistently implement DAP through play to enhance the child's engagement and learning comprehension.