Standard 2: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Curriculum

The following chart presents the accreditation criteria for this topic area. Each criterion provides specific details to guide program plans, policies and practices. The criteria are numbered (01, 02, 03, etc.) within their topic area. Each criterion within each program standard is identified by its relevant age group (or groups). Many criteria are identified as "universal" (U), meaning that all classrooms and programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation must address these criteria. These aspects of quality should be seen in any programs or classrooms serving birth through kindergarten, though they may look somewhat different in practice depending on the children's age.

Age Groups:
U = universal
I = infant
T = toddlers/twos
P = preschool
K = kindergarten

2.C.
Areas of Development: Physical Development

2.C.01
I   T
Infants and toddlers/twos are provided an environment that allows them to move freely and achieve mastery of their bodies through self-initiated movement. They have multiple opportunities to practice emerging skills in coordination, movement, and balance, as well as perceptual-motor integration.

2.C.02
I   T
Infants and toddlers/twos have multiple opportunities to develop fine-motor skills by acting on their environments using their hands and fingers in a variety of age-appropriate ways.

2.C.03
T   P   K
Children are provided varied opportunities and materials that support fine-motor development.

2.C.04
P   K
Children have varied opportunities and are provided equipment to engage in large motor experiences that

• stimulate a variety of skills.
• enhance sensory-motor integration.
• develop controlled movement (balance, strength, coordination).
• enable children with varying abilities to have large-motor experiences similar to those of their peers.
• range from familiar to new and challenging.
• help them learn physical games with rules and structure.