Q1: How does NAEYC recommend programs approach Self-Study?

To complete a meaningful and productive Self-Study, NAEYC recommends that a program informally evaluates itself according to the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria and then identifies and implements any program improvements necessary to align the program to the 10 Standards.  Read more about Self-Study in the Self-Study Kit or in the Guide to Self-Study, which is available in the TORCH Resource Library.

Q2: How can a program or individual obtain the NAEYC Self-Study Kit?

Programs that complete the Enrollment form as a part of Step 1: Enrollment / Self-Study will automatically receive a Self-Study Kit. 
 
Individuals who assist programs in achieving NAEYC Accreditation may also submit the Individual Purchaser Self-Study Kit Order Form to receive a Self-Study Kit.  Please note that purchasing the Self-Study Kit as an individual does not enroll your program in Self-Study.  All programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation must complete Step 1: Enrollment / Self-Study through the submission of the Enrollment form.

Q3: What does the 2008 edition of the Self-Study Kit include?

The 2008 edition of the Self-Study Kit includes a Getting Started book and one book addressing each of the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Accreditation Standards (except for Standard 7 and 8, which share one book).  Programs that have an edition of the Self-Study Kit that was published prior to 2008 do not need to purchase an updated Self-Study Kit, but should read more about resources in TORCH that supplement older versions of the Self-Study Kit.

Q4:  How can I supplement my program’s edition of the Self-Study Kit that was published prior to 2008?

Programs that have an edition of the Self-Study Kit that was published prior to 2008 do not need to purchase an updated Self-Study Kit, but should access the following updated information online through TORCH. 

• Updated tools for Self-Study and Self-Assessment that were previously included on the CD-Rom in previous editions of the Self-Study Kit are now in the TORCH Resource Library.  These tools have been revised to accommodate the 2008 Sources of Evidence.
• Updated Sources of Evidence for All Criteria that were published in individual Standards books and on the CD-Rom from previous editions of the Self-Study Kit are now accessible in the TORCH Criteria Search and in the TORCH Resource Library.

Q5:  Can materials in the Self-Study Kit be photocopied for staff training purposes? 

It is permissible to make copies of the materials in the Self-Study Kit for individual program use. Individual Standards books are available for purchase at our online store.  The Getting Started book is not available for individual purchase. Individuals may also access the NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Criteria free of charge through TORCH.

Note:  All programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation must complete Step 1: Enrollment / Self-Study through the submission of the Enrollment form.  Programs that complete the Enrollment form as a part of Step 1: Enrollment / Self-Study will automatically receive a Self-Study Kit.  
 

If your questions are not addressed on this website, reference the FAQ Master Document or contact Accreditation Program Support for assistance.