The purpose of this qualitative explanatory multi-case study was to examine toddler and preschool teachers’ beliefs and perceptions about the use of DAP within toddler and preschool classrooms. Data were collected from a purposeful sample of 16 teachers on their beliefs and perceptions about classroom practices and the forces that shape such practices in toddler and preschool classrooms. Findings suggest that a disturbing amount of toddler and preschool teachers endorsed a K-12 pushdown curriculum with the belief that young children should be able to sit and complete worksheets. (author abstract)