✍️ Teacher worksheets

The NAEYC teacher Q&A

Thirty questions across eight parts — DAP, inclusion, equity, curriculum, observation, families, supervision, professionalism — written to be answered in your own words and discussed with your team.

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Read each question and write your answer in your own words. There is no answer key on purpose — the point is what YOU would say out loud, and the conversation it starts with your team.

Part 1 — Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

What does Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) mean?

Why should teachers consider each child's individual strengths, interests, culture, and developmental level when planning activities?

A teacher gives every child the exact same activity even though some children need additional support. Is this always developmentally appropriate? Why or why not?

Give one example of how you can make a classroom activity more developmentally appropriate.

Part 2 — Inclusion

What does inclusion mean in an early childhood classroom?

How can you make sure a child with a disability participates meaningfully in classroom activities?

A child is having difficulty participating in circle time. What are two strategies you could try before excluding the child from the activity?

Why is it important to focus on what a child can do rather than only on the child's challenges?

Part 3 — Equity, diversity & culture

What is the difference between treating every child the same and providing equitable support?

How can teachers ensure that classroom books, toys, pictures, and materials represent diverse children and families?

What should a teacher do if a child's family culture or home language is different from their own?

Give one example of how you can create a culturally responsive classroom.

Part 4 — Curriculum & learning

Why should early childhood curriculum be based on children's interests, development, and learning needs?

How can play support children's learning and development?

Give one example of a teacher intentionally extending children's learning during play.

Why is it important for teachers to ask open-ended questions? Instead of asking "Is this a red block?", what could you ask?

Part 5 — Observation & assessment

Why do teachers observe children?

What should teachers consider when documenting children's learning?

How can observations help teachers plan the next learning experience?

Give an example of an observation that describes what a child actually did rather than giving an opinion about the child.

Part 6 — Family engagement

Why are families important partners in children's learning and development?

What can a teacher do when a family has a concern about their child's development or classroom experience?

How can teachers communicate respectfully with families whose beliefs or parenting practices are different from their own?

Part 7 — Supervision & safety

What does active supervision mean?

Why is positioning yourself so that you can see and hear children important?

You are helping one child in the bathroom area while several children are playing outside. What should you consider before leaving your position?

Part 8 — Teacher professionalism

What does professionalism mean in early childhood education?

How should teachers respond when they disagree with a colleague?

Why is confidentiality important when working with children and families?

What is one area of your teaching practice that you would like to improve this year?

Final knowledge check

What is the most important responsibility of a teacher?

What does active supervision mean to you?

What would you do if you could not see one child during outdoor play?

What would you do if another teacher asked you to leave your classroom without ensuring adequate supervision?

What would you do if a parent asks you about another child's behavior or incident?

Why is accurate documentation important?

What is one licensing regulation you need to improve your knowledge of?

What is one operational procedure you will improve in your classroom?

The official documents

All NAEYC position statements

Rehearse this skill

Professionalism & Ethics Observation & Documentation Parent Communication