| Term |
Definition |
| Development | The process in which a child gains skills in areas such as: social/emotional; intellectual; speech/language; and physical growth. This process includes both fine and gross motor skills. |
| Developmental Appropriate Practice | The implementation of curriculum and activities suitable for a child’s stage of development and supports the child’s learning process. |
| Developmental Delay | A delay in the acquiring of abilities and skills typically reached by children of similar ages. |
| Developmental Disabilities | Any condition or disorder that interferes with a child’s development and are typically evident before a person reaches age twenty-two. Such conditions are likely to continue indefinitely. |
| Developmental Domains | A term used by professionals to describe different areas of a child’s development. Examples are gross motor development and fine motor development. |
| Developmental Milestones | Term describing memorable accomplishments in child’s growth. Examples include: rolling over, crawling, walking, talking, etc. |
| Developmental Stages | An expected, sequential order of obtaining skills that children typically go through. Examples: crawling before walking, using fingers to feed themselves before using utensils. |
| Distance Learning | Using technology – radio, television, computer, or video – to allow student or professionals in one location to participate in activities/classes/meetings in another location. |
| Dramatic Play | Engaging in pretend play or acting out a scenario. Roll play. |
| Drop Off Child Care Centers | These facilities provide care for children for short periods of time while parents run errands or go to appointments. |
| Drop- in Care | A child care program that parents may use as back up or unscheduled child care. |
| Dual Language Immersion | Child care settings in which a child experiences a primary language that is different from the home/native language. |
| Dyslexia | An impairment in the brain’s processing of information that results in difficulty reading, spelling, writing, and related language skills. For more information, click here . |