The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade.

Founded in 1926, NAEYC celebrated its 75th anniversy with over 100,000 members and a national network of nearly 450 local, state, and regional Affiliates. NAEYC Affiliate Groups work to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education and to build public support of high quality early childhood programs.

What is the NAEYC accreditation?
Early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC's National Academy 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 this criteria can be obtained from NAEYC.

The 3 Goals of NAEYC

Goal 1: Facilitating improvements in the professional practive and working conditions in the field of early childhood education by creating professional development opportunities/rescources and by setting and promoting standards of professional practice.

Goal 2: Improving public understanding and support and funding of high quality programs in centers, homes, and schools serving young children and their families through public policy initiatives and public awareness and engagement activities.

Goal 3: Building and maining a strong, diverse, and inclusive organization that enables NAEYC to achieve Goals 1 and 2.

Mission
NAEYC exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children. Primary attention is devoted to assuring the provision of high quality early childhood programs for young children.

What does a NAEYC accredidated program offer?

•  frequent, positive, warm, interactions among teachers and children

•  planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and devlopment, such as block 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

•  respects 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