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The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation

The three standards listed below are based on research and collaboration in the field of early childhood education and were written in response to current trends in the field, particularly the growing need for qualified personnel in teacher preparation programs. Each standard includes strategies for raising standards for early childhood education (through NAEYC accreditation), and offers suggestions for improving the practices of teachers as they develop approaches to early childhood curriculum and assessment.

Standards at the Associate Degree Level

NAEYC's Associate Degree Standards describe the defining characteristics of associate degree programs within a continuum of professional preparation.

Download the Associate Degree Level Standards

Standards at the Initial Licensure Level

In collaboration with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), NAEYC developed standards for early childhood professional preparation at the Initial Licensure Level. NAEYC prepared these standards as a guide for higher education institutions with baccalaureate and five-year programs that prepare future early childhood teachers. Institutions must document compliance with the Initial Standards in order to earn approval from NAEYC - and move toward accreditation from NCATE.

Download the Initial Licensure Level Standards

Standards at the Advanced Level

NAEYC has standards at the Advanced Level that build on standards at the Associate Degree and Initial Licensure levels. The Advanced Standards invite programs to identify areas of focus or specialization and describe "essential professional tools," and "additional competencies" for some specializations. Institutions with advanced master's and doctoral programs must document compliance with the Advanced Standards in order to earn approval from NAEYC - and move toward accreditation from NCATE.

Download the Advanced Level Standards

What are the The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation?

To discover instructional strategies, tools, and resources, click on a specific standard below.

Standard 1	Promoting Child Development and Learning
Standard 2	Building Family and Community Relationships
Standard 3	Observing, Documenting and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families
Standard 4	Teaching and Learning
Standard 5	Becoming a Professional

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