Rigorous DAP (developmentally appropriate practices) is a set of 11 principles of instruction intended to help close early childhood learning gaps. Academically rigorous learning environments create the conditions for children to learn at high levels. While academic rigor focuses on one dimension of education--academic--DAP considers the whole landscape of learning--motivational, cultural, socioemotional as well as cognitive. Combined, Rigorous DAP calls for early childhood educators teach the knowledge and skills they expect all their children to eventually attain and demonstrate on a regular basis.