Values Underlying Decision Making
Commission on NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and
Accreditation Criteria
Four overarching values inform the program
standards/criteria commission’s expectations for the performance of excellent
early childhood programs and underlie its desires for children to become
effective, contributing members of a democratic society.
Childhood is a unique and valuable stage of the life cycle.
All children bring unique strengths, interests, and needs
that should be respected by those who nurture their growth and
development. Children enter the world
full of potential—eager to learn and ready to form relationships. All children
deserve the opportunity to participate in early childhood programs that support
their optimal development. Children’s learning and development are maximized
through developmentally appropriate practices that support learning through
exploration and play and provide intellectually challenging and language rich
experiences.
Children’s learning and development progress best in the
context of relationships that are woven together to provide a positive web of
support.
Children’s learning and development are enhanced when
teachers and other adults engage with them in relationships that recognize and
support their individual interests, needs, and strengths; when early childhood
programs establish reciprocal relationships with children’s families; and when
supportive relationships exist among teachers and other program staff.
Diversity and inclusion are essential to children’s optimal
learning and development.
Collectively and individually, children are strengthened by
diversity and inclusion. Early childhood programs must have the ability to
respond to the diverse developmental, cultural, linguistic, and educational
interests and needs of all children. Excellent early childhood programs accept
children's home language, respect and value the home culture, and promote and
encourage active involvement by all families.
Early childhood programs are part of communities that should
assume responsibility to help all children thrive.
An early childhood program’s abilities to provide high
quality services are influenced by the context in which it operates. Public and
private support for high quality early care and education programs is demonstrated
by a community’s commitment to a comprehensive, well-financed system of early
childhood services that provides for well qualified and adequately compensated
professionals, safe and well equipped facilities, and consumer awareness and
protection.