Unrestricted.2016-11-142011-02-192016-11-141997-12http://hdl.handle.net/2346/21607In 1987, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) published its position statement on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to enhance understanding of DAP, especially among individuals engaged in the NAEYC accreditation process. Yet, it has been suggested that educators engage in "reflective practice," determining for themselves how to integrate the results of their personal experiences with theoretical knowledge. This study was done to determine if early childhood teachers understand DAP and perceive themselves as using DAP appropriately or whether they modify its use to fit the needs of their individual classrooms. Participants were 124 preschool teachers working in 50 NAEYC accredited child care facilities.application/pdfengEarly childhood teachersChild developmentEarly childhood educationDissertation