Preschool teachers’ beliefs of developmentally appropriate educational practices

Abstract

Teachers’ beliefs are central to determining children’s optimal educational experiences. However, some studies related to teachers’ beliefs yielded findings that rendered beliefs and practices incongruous. Although the principles of developmentally appropriate practices that synthesize theoretical and empirical research on child development have been adapted to various contexts other than its original United States of America (USA) context, developmentally appropriate practices remain contentious as to its relevance in these contexts. What is appropriate for children’s education seems debatable, largely determined by social expectations of childhood and children. Cultural diversity seems to be the new dispensation in this discourse. Fundamentally, research on preschool teachers’ beliefs about developmentally appropriate educational practices, adds to literature about cultural context variables in preschool provision from different contexts.