Debating Developmentally Appropriate Practice

What is the value of examining deep beliefs within the early childhood field, and asking challenging questions? Francis Wardle, in his article, “Unpacking Developmentally Appropriate Practice,” discusses his take on the recent “Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice 2020” released by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). He describes their decision to not use the term “best practices” because “what works effectively with young children depends on the diversity of the children, families, communities and cultures we serve.” He then explains his own thinking, writing that “while I have always advocated for the continued deconstruction of how we engage with young children, especially regarding approaches to diversity and academic practice, I deeply believe that when we discuss how to support and encourage the development and learning of young children, there are absolutes.” Wardle offers his ideas about “absolutes,” using a construct he has developed called “positive and negative instances.”

A new Exchange Reflections called “Debating Developmentally Appropriate Practice” has been created around Wardle’s article. As its name implies, the Reflections invites debate, in the hope that staffs might wrestle with serious thinking together, or college courses have good discussions, or individuals consider what feels true to them. Healthy debate can help people clarify their own belief structures and core values. We hope this Reflections will be a tool to do just that.

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