Mirroring the value of continuous improvement, the NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs process and standards are constantly reviewed under the auspices of the Council on the Accreditation of Early Learning Programs to ensure that they are informed by current research and reflect the ever-evolving early childhood landscape. NAEYC gratefully acknowledges early childhood educators, program administrators, accreditation assessors, accreditation facilitation specialists, coaches, families, policy makers, researchers, NAEYC governance bodies, and NAEYC staff for their continued guidance and support.
Limitations of Use This document outlines the NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Items. However, it does not include the complementary tools and guidance that are needed to gain a deeper understanding of how these standards and assessment items drive accreditation decisions. Use of complementary tools and guidance is highly recommended.
Basic Structure Standard ›› Definition ›› Rationale ›› Topic Areas • Description • Recommended Best Practices ›› Accreditation Assessment Items (measured to determine the accreditation decision)
Overview STANDARD 1
Relationships The program promotes positive relationships between all children and adults to encourage each child’s sense of individual worth and belonging as part of a community and to foster each child’s ability to contribute as a responsible community member.
NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Item 7