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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.E.
Responding to Children's Interests and Needs
3.E.01
U I T P K
Teaching staff reorganize the environment when necessary to help children explore new concepts and topics, sustain their activities, and extend their learning.
3.E.02
U I T P K
Teachers scaffold children's learning by
3.E.03
U I T P K
Teachers use children's interest in and curiosity about the world to engage them with new content and developmental skills.
3.E.04
U I T P K
Teachers use their knowledge of individual children to modify strategies and materials to enhance children's learning.
3.E.05
I
Teachers use the needs and interests of infants to influence schedules, routines, and learning experiences.
3.E.06
I
Infants who show interest or pleasure in an activity are encouraged and supported in prolonging that activity.
3.E.07
I
Teaching staff actively seek to understand infants' needs and desires by recognizing and responding to their nonverbal cues and by using simple language.
3.E.08
T P K
Teachers use their knowledge of children's social relationships, interests, ideas, and skills to tailor learning opportunities for groups and individuals.
3.E.09
T P K
Throughout the day, teaching staff actively seek out children's ideas and discern how they understand things by observing, talking with, and listening to them.
