A Guide to NAEYC Accreditation Tracy Carrigan Christina DiStefano Michelle Fitzpatrick

What is NAEYC? National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children. Particular focus is on the quality of educational and developmental services.

NAEYC’s Mission To promote high quality, developmentally appropriate programs that support the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development for all children while responding to the needs of their families.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice A curriculum for young children that is planned to be appropriate for their age span and is implemented with attention to the different needs, interests, and developmental levels of individual children.

Developmentally Appropriate Practices result from three important kinds of information or knowledge: What is known about child development and learning. What is known about the strengths, interests, and needs to each individual child in the group. Knowledge of the social and cultural context in which children live.

NAEYC Commitment to Children Appreciating childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle. Basing our work with children on knowledge of child development and learning. Appreciating and supporting the close ties between the child and family. Recognizing that children are best understood in the context of family, culture, and society. Respecting the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual. Helping children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard. ABC 123

NAEYC Goals Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education. Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high quality system of early childhood education. Building a high performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children. ABC 123

NAEYC’s efforts are designed to ensure that: All children have access to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being, in an environment that supports and respects diversity. All early childhood educators are supported as professionals with ongoing professional development opportunities. All families have access to high quality early childhood education programs and actively participate in their children’s education as respected, reciprocal partners.

NAEYC Standards Focus On: Curriculum Partnerships between teachers, families, community and children Assessment of child progress Staff development Physical environment Leadership and management ABC 123

Steps to Accreditation: Enroll in self study (use NAEYC standards and accreditation performance criteria to evaluate program and make needed improvements) Become an applicant Become a candidate Meet the program standards Pass on-site assessment by NAEYC assessors Approval of accreditation status Maintain accreditation through continued assessments

Research shows quality programs make a difference! www.naeyc.org/ece/research.asp