Standard 3: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Teaching

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

3.D.
Using Time, Grouping, and Routines to Achieve Learning Goals

3.D.01
U   I   T   P   K
Teachers provide time daily for indoor and outdoor activities (except when conditions pose a health risk as defined by local health officials.)

3.D.02
U   I   T   P   K
Teaching staff use routine care to facilitate children's self-awareness, language, and social interaction.

3.D.03
U   I   T   P   K
Teachers provide time and materials daily for children to select their own activities.

3.D.04
U   I   T   P   K
Teaching staff offer children opportunities to interact with children of various ages.

3.D.05
U   I   T   P   K
Teachers plan for children to revisit experiences and materials over periods of days, weeks, and months.

3.D.06
I
Teachers organize time and space on a daily basis to offer infants opportunities to play individually, in pairs, and in small groups.

3.D.07
T   P
At snack times, teaching staff sit and eat with children and engage them in conversation. When provided, meals are served family style, and teaching staff sit and eat with children and engage them in conversation.

3.D.08
T   P   K
Teaching staff coach and support children as they learn to participate in daily cleanup and maintenance of the classroom.

3.D.09
T   P   K
Teaching staff help children follow a predictable but flexible daily routine by providing time and support for transitions.

3.D.10
T   P   K
Teachers organize time and space on a daily basis to allow children to work or play individually and in pairs, to come together in small groups, and to engage as a whole group.

3.D.11
T   P   K
Teachers create opportunities for children to engage in group projects and to learn from one another.

3.D.12
K
Adults sit and eat with children and engage them in conversation at snack and meal times. (This criterion is an Emerging Practice.)