Standard 8: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Community Relationships 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

8.B.
Accessing Community Resources

8.B.01
U    I    T    P    K
Program staff use their knowledge of the community and the families it serves as an integral part of the curriculum and children's learning experiences.

8.B.02
U    I    T    P    K
Program staff connect with and use their community's urban, suburban, rural, or tribal cultural resources.

8.B.03
U    I    T    P    K
Program staff inform families about community events sponsored by local organizations, such as museum exhibits, concerts, storytelling, and theater intended for children.

8.B.04
U    I    T    P    K
Program staff invite members of the performing and visual arts community, such as musical performers, coordinators of traveling museum exhibits, local artists, and community residents, to share their interests and talents with the children.

8.B.05
U    I    T    P    K
The program engages with other community organizations and groups to cosponsor or participate in cultural events to enrich the experience of children and families in the program.