Understanding
Early Childhood Education

Look for NAEYC Accredited Centers

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) administers the largest and most widely recognized accreditation system for all types of early childhood schools and child care centers.

Early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC 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 substantial compliance with the criteria.

What is a high-quality early childhood program?

A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children. In accredited programs you should see:

• frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children

• planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as reading stories, block building, painting, dress up, and active outdoor play

• specially trained teachers and administrators

• 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 families who are welcome visitors at all times

• effective adminstration

• ongoing, systematic evaluation

Working Your Way Through the Childcare Maze