76th Annual SECA Conference

Presenters:
Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Ph.D., Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, US
Mary Harper, Ph.D. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX, US
Danielle McLellan-Bujnak North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, CA, US
Josh Thompson, Ph.D., East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX, US

We will review developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) (three core considerations and nine principles) and how DAP has evolved over four iterations. We will introduce a new lens for viewing child development by discussing developmental cascades and exploring the ideas surrounding the image of the child from various practitioners working with or on behalf of young children. Multiple tools for observing children and their development will be shared with participants to illuminate the variety that exists among settings. Participants will also gain knowledge in strengths-based versus deficit-based approaches to children’s development and an understanding of what it truly means to “follow the child” in their development.