Why Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Is Key to Kindergarten Readiness

Complimentary White Paper

The Case for Research-Based Practices Over Academic Pressure in Developing Lifelong Learners

The pressure for “academic pushdown” in early childhood education is widespread, but research shows that early exposure to abstract academic content does not improve kindergarten readiness or long-term success. Instead, Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) better supports children’s learning, engagement, and overall development.

Download the white paper, Horizontal Enrichment vs. Vertical Acceleration, to explore the research behind effective early learning and what truly prepares children for success in school.

White Paper

About the Author

Nereyda
Dr. Nereyda Hurtado is a researcher on the Collaborative Classroom team with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from UC Santa Barbara. She began her career at Stanford University studying language development and parenting in bilingual and Spanish-speaking families, and has since led early childhood program development, implementation, and evaluation across preschool and infant/toddler settings. Her work focuses on translating research into practice in early childhood education, family engagement, and educator support.

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