NAEYC'S Early Childhood Program Standards
NAEYC's 10 program standards and accreditation criteria are based
on a conceptual framework with four areas of focus. These include:
- Children
- Teaching Staff
- Partnerships
- Administration
Collectively, the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program standards
represent essential, interlocking elements of high-quality programs for
all children from birth through kindergarten. "All children" means all;
it includes children with developmental delays and disabilities;
children whose families are culturally and linguistically diverse; and
children from diverse socio-economic groups. It also recognizes that
all children have individual learning styles, strengths, and needs.
The Standards
High-quality programs should meet the following standards, as outlined in the NAEYC Accreditation system:
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Promote positive relationships for all children and adults
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Implement a curriculum that fosters all areas of child development - cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social
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Use developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches
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Provide ongoing assessments of child progress
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Promote the nutrition and health of children and staff
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Employ and support qualified teaching staff
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Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with families
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Establish and maintain relationships and use resources of the community
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Provide a safe and healthy physical environment
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Implement strong program management policies that result in high-quality service