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Position Statements of NAEYC

NAEYC Position Statements are adopted by the Governing Board to state the Association's position on issues related to early childhood education practice, policy, and/or professional development for which there are controversial or critical opinions. Position statements are developed through a consensus-building approach that seeks to convene diverse perspectives and areas of expertise related to the issue and provide opportunities for members and others to provide input and feedback.

All position statements can be downloaded free of charge. Some position statements are available in a specialized format, such as a 2-page summary (called “Where We Stand”), a slightly longer Executive Summary, a fuller version with expanded resources and references, or in Spanish. Position statements available in specialized formats are indicated by the option to “Click here.” Where We Stand summaries are also listed at the bottom of this page.

Please note: Written permission is not required for reprinting or reproduction of NAEYC position statements, supplements, executive summaries, or Where We Stand summaries. All copies must include a credit line indicating that the National Association for the Education of Young Children holds the copyright for the material.

NAEYC position statements and standards

  • Anti-Discrimination Statements .pdf || .html
  • Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment Click here
    • Supplement for Adult Educators
    • Supplement for Program Administrators
  • Conceptual Framework for Professional Development .pdf
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practice .pdf || .html || Order book
  • Developing and Implementing Policies to Promote Accreditation .pdf || .html
  • Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation Click here
    • Supplement on Screening and Assessment of Young English-Language Learners
    • Promoting Positive Outcomes for Children with Disabilities: Recommendations for Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation
  • Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings Click here
  • Early Learning Standards Click here
  • Guiding Principles for Development and Analysis of Early Childhood Public Policy .pdf || .html
  • Inclusion .pdf
  • Learning to Read and Write Click here || Order book
  • Licensing and Public Regulation .pdf || .html
  • Media Violence in Children's Lives .pdf || .html
  • Prevention of Child Abuse Click here
  • Quality, Compensation, and Affordability .pdf || .html
  • Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Click here
  • School Readiness Click here
  • Standards for Professional Preparation Programs Click here || Order Book
  • Still Unacceptable Trends in Kindergarten Entry and Placement .pdf || .html
  • Technology and Young Children .pdf || .html
  • Violence in the Lives of Children .pdf || .html

Statements under revision or development

Where We Stand Summaries