ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 provides the procedures for administering the DPA-P, which require 30 minutes of observation, either continuously or in segments. We specify the details of who may participate in the DPA-P and what their roles are. Included is a brief description of the DPA-P toys, which are explained in greater detail, including guidelines on how to vary them as a function of culture and availability, later in this guidebook. We include potential variations of administration as a function of context (e.g., homes, classrooms with group settings) and time constraints. The key aspects of the administration are to (a) provide a setting in which the child can engage in natural play activities; (b) gather observations across four groups of toys; and (c) know the categories of play that are detailed in this guidebook. This chapter also includes an introduction to the evaluation of a child’s performance. The evaluation criteria, which are the basis for understanding what the child knows and is ready to learn, are defined. They are the foundation for creating a tailored intervention for teaching play. We conclude with an introductory profile that illustrates how to determine these criteria from a play observation and what to suggest for an intervention in play.
