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.J.
Curriculum Area for Cognitive Development: Creative Expression and Appreciation for the Arts

2.J.01
U   I   T   P   K
Children are provided varied opportunities to gain an appreciation of art, music, drama, and dance in ways that reflect cultural diversity.

2.J.02
I   T
Infants and toddlers/twos are provided varied opportunities to explore and manipulate age-appropriate art materials.

2.J.03
I   T
Infants and toddlers/twos have varied opportunities to express themselves creatively through freely moving to music. Toddlers/twos have varied opportunities to engage in pretend or imaginative play.

2.J.04
T   P   K
Children are provided varied opportunities to learn new concepts and vocabulary related to art, music, drama, and dance.

2.J.05
T   P   K
Children are provided varied opportunities to develop and widen their repertoire of skills that support artistic expression (e.g., cutting, gluing, and caring for tools).

2.J.06
P   K
Children are provided many and varied open-ended opportunities and materials to express themselves creatively through music, drama, dance and two- and three-dimensional art.

2.J.07
P   K
Children have opportunities to respond to the art of other children and adults.