Parents' understanding of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs

The intent of this study is to determine the understanding and knowledge parents had of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). With increasing numbers of children entering child care outside the home, it is important to examine parents' understanding of different philosophies available in different child care programs. This study examined the beliefs of parents who enrolled their children in a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited program had any impact on their expectations for a philosophy and curriculum that is centered around DAP. In addition, the study examined whether parents' understanding of DAP changed when their children transitioned from infant and toddler programs, to preschool.;The study group consisted of parents with children in two privately owned NAEYC accredited centers in 1998 (N = 131). Results from parent reports indicated a high level of parent knowledge regarding DAP. Based on the findings, it is suggested that parents do have an understanding of DAP, and that they recognize the positive outcomes of having their children enrolled in a center that emphasizes DAP in the curriculum and philosophy.