12 empirically based principles

Twelve Principles of Child Development and Learning

Twelve Principles of Child Development and Learning Indiana’s Introduction to the Early Childhood and Out of School Learning Profession Module 1 Child Development

NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children) has created 12 child development and learning principles that inform and guide decisions about developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

1. All areas of development are important. 2. Learning and development follow sequences. 3. Development and learning proceed at varying rates. 4. Development results from maturity and experience. 5. Early experiences have profound effects on development and learning. 6. Development moves to greater independence. 7. Children develop best with secure relationships. 8. Development is influenced by multiple social and cultural backgrounds. 9. Children learn in a variety of ways. 10. Play is important for developing self-regulation and promoting language, cognition, and

social competence. 11. Development and learning advance when children are challenged. 12. Children’s experiences shape their motivation and approaches to learning. As you plan experiences for young children, consider how you might use the NAEYC Principles as a guide.