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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.F.
Making Learning Meaningful for All Children
3.F.01
U I T P K
Teachers use curriculum in all content and developmental areas as a flexible framework for teaching and to support the development of daily plans and learning experiences.
3.F.02
U I T P K
Play is planned for each day.
3.F.03
U I T P K
Teachers and families work together to help children participate successfully in the early childhood setting when professional values and practices differ from family values and practices.
3.F.04
U I T P K
Teaching staff help children understand spoken language (particularly when children are learning a new language) by using pictures, familiar objects, body language, and physical cues.
3.F.05
U I T P K
Teaching staff support the development and maintenance of children's home language whenever possible.
3.F.06
U I T P K
Teachers offer children opportunities to engage in classroom experiences with members of their families.
3.F.07
T P K
Teaching staff use varied vocabulary and engage in sustained conversations with children about their experiences.
