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.C.
Nurturing Families as Advocates for Their Children

7.C.01
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff encourage families to regularly contribute to decisions about their child's goals and plans for activities and services.

7.C.02
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff encourage families to raise concerns and work collaboratively with them to find mutually satisfying solutions that staff then incorporate into classroom practice.

7.C.03
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff encourage and support families to make the primary decisions about services that their children need, and they encourage families to advocate to obtain needed services.

7.C.04
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff use a variety of techniques to negotiate difficulties that arise in their interactions with family members. Program staff make arrangements to use these techniques in a language the family can understand.

7.C.05
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff provide families with information about programs and services from other organizations. Staff support and encourage families' efforts to negotiate health, mental health, assessment, and educational services for their children. (This criterion is an Emerging Practice.)

7.C.06
U   I   T   P   K
Program staff use established linkages with other early education programs and local elementary schools to help families prepare for and manage their children's transitions between programs, including special education programs. Staff provide information to families that can assist them in communicating with other programs.

7.C.07
U   I   T   P   K
To help families with their transitions to other programs or schools, staff provide basic general information on enrollment procedures and practices, visiting opportunities, and program options.

7.C.08
U   I   T   P   K
Before sharing information about a child with other relevant providers, agencies, or other programs, staff obtain written consent from the family.