ACTIVITY-BASED INTERVENTION AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE - POINTS OF CONVERGENCE

In the current controversy over the appropriateness of using developme ntally appropriate practice (DAP) with young children with disabilitie s, the philosophies of early childhood special education (ECSE) and ea rly childhood education (ECE) have frequently been characterized as in compatible. This article contrasts the differences between the two dis ciplines and discusses a service delivery approach, known as activity- based intervention (ABI). Combining strategies from both ECSE and ECE, this model utilizes behavior analytic techniques within child-directe d activities. Although ABI and DAP appear to be compatible in many way s, DAP's emphasis on emotional development creates a dilemma. In part, because emotional development is difficult to evaluate, it has not be en a focus of ECSE. This dilemma, as well as its implications for inte rvention, is discussed. It is argued that the continued comparison and integration of the philosophies of ECE and ECSE may enhance education for all young children.