NAEYC Accreditation
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) administers the largest and most widely recognized national, voluntary, professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of early childhood schools and child care centers. NAEYC is the nation’s largest organization of early childhood educators.
What is accreditation?
Early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC’s National Association of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. A copy of the Criteria can be obtained from NAEYC at: http://www.naeyc.org/ or phone number 800-424-2460.
What is a high quality early childhood program?
A high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, emotional and intellectual development of young children.
In accredited programs you will see:
What is accreditation?
Early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC’s National Association of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. A copy of the Criteria can be obtained from NAEYC at: http://www.naeyc.org/ or phone number 800-424-2460.
What is a high quality early childhood program?
A high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, emotional and intellectual development of young children.
In accredited programs you will see:
- Frequent, positive, warm interactions between teachers and children
- Planned learning activities appropriate to children’s age and development such as building, painting, reading stories, dress-up, and active outdoor play
- Specially trained teachers and directors
- Ongoing professional development
- Enough adults to respond to individual children
- Many varied age-appropriate materials
- Respect for cultural diversity
- A healthy and safe environment for adults and children
- Inclusive environments
- Nutritious meals and/or snacks
- Regular, two-way communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times
- Effective administration
- Ongoing, systematic evaluation