The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a membership-supported organization of people committed to fostering the growth and development of children from birth through age eight. Membership is open to all who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of young children.

NAEYC focuses on three broad goals:

• setting standards of professional practice,
• improving public understanding and support and funding of high quality programs through public policy initiatives and public awareness, and engagement activities; and
• building and maintaining a strong, diverse, and inclusive organization.

To receive NAEYC accreditation, a self study of the program is to be submitted to NAEYC based on certain criteria for high quality programs. A site visit by trained validators is then scheduled to assure the accuracy of the self study. After the site visit, a national commission reviews all the information and makes suggestions regarding improvement. Accreditation is granted for three years. If a program is not granted accreditation, the program is given the opportunity to make the needed changes and another site visit can occur.

A program accredited by NAEYC is:

• age appropriate,
• teacher supported,
• individually appropriate for each child, and
• activities are child initiated.

 

Resources:

Web site:

NAEYC Online

Books:

Title: Reaching Potentials: Appropriate Curriculum and Assessment for Young Children
Author: Sue Bredekamp & Teresa Rosegrant (eds.)
Date: 1992
Publisher: Washington, D. C., National Organization for the Education of Young Children
ISBN: 0-935989-53-6