Standard 7: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Families Standard

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

7.A.
Knowing and Understanding the Program's Families

7.A.01
U   I   T   P   K
As a part of orientation and ongoing staff development, new and existing program staff develop skills and knowledge to work effectively with diverse families.

7.A.02 U   I   T   P   K
Program staff use a variety of formal and informal strategies (including conversations) to become acquainted with and learn from families about their family structure; their preferred child-rearing practices; and information families wish to share about their socioeconomic, linguistic, racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

7.A.03
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff actively use information about families to adapt the program environment, curriculum, and teaching methods to the families they serve.

7.A.04
U   I   T   P   K
To better understand the cultural backgrounds of children, families, and the community, program staff (as a part of program activities or as individuals), participate in community cultural events, concerts, storytelling activities, or other events and performances designed for children and their families. (This criterion is an Emerging Practice.)

7.A.05
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff provide support and information to family members legally responsible for the care and well-being of a child.

7.A.06
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff establish intentional practices designed to foster strong reciprocal relationships with families from the first contact and maintain them over time.

7.A.07
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff ensure that all families, regardless of family structure; socioeconomic, racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds; gender; abilities; or preferred language are included in all aspects of the program, including volunteer opportunities. These opportunities consider each family's interests and skills and the needs of program staff.

7.A.08
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff engage with families to learn from their knowledge of their child's interests, approaches to learning, and the child's developmental needs, and to learn about their concerns and goals for their children. This information is incorporated into ongoing classroom planning.

7.A.09
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff use a variety of formal and informal methods to communicate with families about the program philosophy and curriculum objectives, including educational goals and effective strategies that can be used by families to promote their children's learning. Staff use a variety of methods such as new family orientations, small group meetings, individual conversations, and written questionnaires, which help staff get input from families about curriculum activities throughout the year.

7.A.10
U   I   T   P   K
The program works with families on shared child caregiving issues, including routine separations, special needs, the food being served and consumed, and daily care issues.

7.A.11
U   I   T   P   K
Families may visit any area of the facility at any time during the program's regular hours of operation as specified by the procedures of the facility.

7.A.12
U   I   T   P   K
The program facilitates opportunities for families to meet with one another on a formal and informal basis, work together on projects to support the program, and learn from and provide support for each other.

7.A.13
U   I   T   P   K
The program's governing or advisory groups include families as members and active participants. Staff or other families in the program encourage and support family members in taking on leadership roles.

7.A.14
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff and families work together to plan events. Families' schedules and availability are considered as part of this planning.