FLORIDA DEPARTMENT

OF
CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CHILD CARE SERVICES STUDY GUIDE FOR

Understanding Developmentally
Appropriate Practices

07/01/2019
Dear Student:

The Department of Children and Families would like to extend congratulations on your recent
completion of its course, Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices. It is hoped that
you enjoyed the experience and are ready to apply your new skills in the workforce.

This study guide will assist you in preparing for the DCF’s Understanding Developmentally
Appropriate Practices competency exam. Please be aware that this study guide does not replace
the participant’s guide you used during the course. You are encouraged to use your participant’s
guide to study for the exam. However, this study guide will help you focus your studies.
However, it does not contain specific questions and answers you will see on the exam.

Now that you have completed Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices, please
consider registering for DCF’s other courses, which include:

• Infant and Toddler Appropriate Practices

• Preschool Appropriate Practices
• School-Age Appropriate Practices

For more information on training and licensing requirements, please visit the Department of
Children and Families’ Web site at www.myflorida.com/childcare/training.

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 5 Tips to Help Your Get the Most from Your Study Time

#1
Budget your time.
Make sure you have time to study and review
your work both during the course and before the test.

#2
Set aside time immediately after class to start your review.
This is the best time to review your notes and identify if you have any questions. If you do have
questions, this will give you time to ask your trainer or do other research on your questions. The
night before the test there is no time for
this step.

#3
Review all material again before the test.
Organize all of your class notes and other material you may have received during the course
sessions. Pay specific attention to your participant’s guide.

#4
Create your own study guide.
Organize your notes into key ideas and other information you want to remember on one sheet of
paper. If you need more than one sheet, that’s all right, but try to keep the ideas organized, brief
and to the point.

#5
Space out your studying.
You will learn more if you study a little each day rather than trying to “cram” all the information
into your head the night before the test. Studying a little each day will help the material stay in
your long-term memory.

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 10 Tips for Success on your Competency Exam
#1
Take care of your personal needs.
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Eat breakfast – do not take the
test hungry. Make sure you leave enough time to take care of all your personal needs before the
test, so you can concentrate on the test.
#2
Be well-prepared.
Being well-prepared, rested and arriving early will reduce anxiety.
Bring at least two #2 pencils, a photo ID and letter.
#3
Listen carefully, read the instructions and ask questions if you
don’t understand.
It is important to listen carefully to the directions you are given. Read the instructions carefully
and when necessary ask questions if you do not understand them.
#4
Read through the entire test.
Read through the entire test first to get a feel for the test. Pay attention to how it is structured and
how the questions are written.
#5
Tips for Multiple Choice Questions
Read the question first.
Eliminate answers you know are not correct.
If you do not know an answer, try to guess.
#6
Do the easy questions first.
Do the easy questions first and then go on to harder questions or questions that require additional
thought. This strategy will help ensure you get all the questions you know the answers to
completed before you go on to other questions. This strategy also helps build your confidence.
#7
Problem with a question – skip it!
If you have a problem with a question, skip it and come back to it later.
Just as you worked on the “easy” questions first, it is important that you not get “stuck” on one
question and that you use your time answering questions you can.
#8
Read all options
Be sure that you read all of your choices before selecting an answer.
#9
Stay Focused
Don’t let your mind wander or worry about other students who may be completing the test before
you do. Stay focused and work on one question at a time.
#10
Before you turn in your test
Make sure you have answered all the questions.
Double check!
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This is an example of the Scantron sheet that you will use when take the test for this courses.

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 Module 1: What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice?

From the section titled, “What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice and how does it apply to
children (Birth – age 8)?,” describe Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the three
principle components.

At the heart of the Developmentally Appropriate Practice methodology is the concept of

intentionality. Describe intentionality and list some ways that you can implement this strategy.

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From the section titled, “Three Critical Challenges,” write each challenge in the space provided
and summarize each one.

1.

2.

3.

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 Module 2: Why is Developmentally Appropriate Practice Important?

From the section titled, “Why is Developmentally Appropriate Practice Important?” record a few
examples of the outcomes of quality child care.

From the section titled, “Written Policy,” which disciplinary practices are prohibited by Florida
Statute?

1.

2.

3.

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 Module 3: Who does Developmentally Appropriate Practice Impact?

From the section titled, “Who does Developmentally Appropriate Practice Impact?” describe
how the entire community benefits when children receive quality care.

From the section titled, “Separation and Trust,” describe the importance of establishing
relationships, some ways to establish positive relationships, and some strategies for improving
difficult relationships.

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From the section titled, “Bonding and Attachment,” describe some ways that you can increase
the bond between you and the children in your care. Think about the activities in your daily
routine and the types of things you can do and say during those activities that helps strengthen
bonds.

“Including All Families,” discusses some of the difficulties that you might encounter with
differing values, attitudes and behaviors. Use the space below to record some strategies that you
can use to get parents and families more involved in your program.

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 Module 4: When Should a Caregiver use Developmentally Appropriate Practice?

Study the chart from the section titled, “Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.” For each of
the following examples, circle the need which should be fulfilled first. For example, “Air to
Breathe,” is more urgent than “Love and Attention.”

Food to eat or Safety

Love and Attention or Confidence
Stability or Water to drink
Food to eat or Air to Breathe
Belonging or Confidence
Clothes to wear or Adequacy

From the section titled, “Jean Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development,” think of some
activities, ideas and ways of interacting with children that foster their development through the
first two stages.

Sensorimotor Stage:

Preoperational Stage:

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Read the section titled, “Lev Vygotsky,” and describe a few examples of how you can use the
scaffolding technique during your daily routine and activities.

From the section titled, “Brain Development,” write the three components of the brain used in
learning and briefly describe each one.

1.

2.

3.

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Describe children’s development across the developmental domains:

Physical Development

Approaches to Learning

Social and Emotional Development

Language and Literacy

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Mathematical Thinking

Scientific Inquiry

Social Studies

Creative Expression Through the Arts

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 Module 5: Where Should We See Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Action?

From the section titled, “Where Should We See Developmentally Appropriate Practice in
Action?” identify a few elements of a positive learning environment, and then identify a few
elements that undesirable in a positive learning environment.

Elements of a positive learning environment include:

Undesirable elements for a learning environment include:

From the section titled, “Developmentally Appropriate Equipment and Play Materials,” describe
why it is important to accommodate children in all activities, and describe some modifications
that you could make in your program to help include all children in an activity.

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Read the section titled, “Daily Routines,” and use the information to determine whether the
following statements are True or False:

Statement True or False

The daily schedule should be posted where everyone, including small
children, can see it.
The daily schedule does not need to be posted if the children in care are too
young to read it.
While mealtimes can be challenging, it is a great opportunity for children to
reinforce skills and offer beneficial experiences.
In order to make meal times as simple as possible, have everything set up
before children arrive, and have everything cleaned up after children have
left.
Transitions happen repeatedly throughout the day each time one activity ends
and another begins.
You should use many transitions throughout the day. Transitions are a great
opportunity for children to practice good behavior.

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 Module 6: How Can Caregivers Implement Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Concepts and Practices in a Professional Manner?

Read the section titled, “How Can Caregivers Implement Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Concepts and Practices in a Professional Manner?” and describe how you plan for a successful
day full of accomplishments and meaningful experiences.

Read the section titled, “Roles of Caregivers” and briefly describe the role of each type of
caregiver.

Observer:

Programmer

Teacher

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Discipliner

Nurturer

Administrator

Community Networker

From the section titled, “NAEYC Guidelines for Effective Teaching,” write a brief summary of
NAEYC’s guidelines including information from each of the five main guidelines.

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Use what you have learned throughout this course to answer the following questions:

1. What is formed when axons and dendrites form a connection?

2. What are some basic things to keep in mind when you are selecting toys and materials for
your classroom?

3. Name the 2 indicators of quality child care and give examples of each.

4. What are some of the things teachers can intentionally do to help establish a positive,
reciprocal relationship with families?

5. What are some of the barriers that affect a parent’s ability to become involved?

6. What does DAP stand for?

7. Define the three core components associated with Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

8. What are 3 of the 5 guidelines for effective teaching according to NAEYC?

9. Name three of the theorists discussed and describe their theories.

10. What is the term associated with “assistance a teacher or more skilled peer provides called?”

Bonus Question: Name three things found in a quality early learning environment?

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