Resources for Faculty Compiling Reports

NEW!  NCATE and NAEYC have determined that programs that lead to an initial licensure in early childhood (regardless of licensure in elementary education or other fields) are, for the purposes of the program report, initial-level programs.  Read more...

The report and review process hinges on programs’ deep understanding and application of the five core NAEYC standards of professional preparation: Students’ knowledge of child development and learning, working with families and communities, use of assessment and documentation, teaching and learning, and becoming a professional.  Success in program improvement and National Recognition of the program depends on alignment with these five NAEYC standards. 

The program report will contain information on six to eight assessments required by NCATE of all programs. These include:

1. the state licensure exam or an assessment of content knowledge (many states and institutions require a Praxis exam)
2. a second assessment of content knowledge
3. an assessment showing students’ ability to plan and implement
4. an evaluation of student teaching
5. an assessment showing students’ impact on children’s learning
6. an assessment of the program’s choice
7. an assessment of the program’s choice (optional)
8. an assessment of the program’s choice (optional)

NAEYC aims to support faculty as they begin or continue the report and review process with a number of resources, including answers to frequently asked questions, a set of working tools, and resources for specific types of programs:

• Initial-licensure Programs.  These are programs that create for their students a foundation in the standards, values, theory, and research of early childhood programs.  They include baccalaureate and masters degree programs that lead to an initial license to teach in early childhood programs and classrooms.
• Advanced Programs.  These are programs that accept students that already have a license to teach in early childhood and extend and enhance these students’ knowledge and application in early childhood.  These programs may have a specialized focus, such as advocacy, administration, or mentoring.  They include masters and doctoral programs.
• Blended Programs.  These are programs that address both early childhood (NAEYC) standards and special education (Council for Exceptional Children) standards.  They prepare teachers and other professionals to develop and work within inclusive settings that serve all children, disabled and otherwise.

Perhaps most helpful are examples of successful reports.  See an annotated report that explains what NAEYC reviewers might look for, as well as real program reports that passed, or became Nationally Recognized. Examine an example of an assessment that is aligned with NAEYC standards and its rubric and data table.

NCATE also offers a variety of rich and detailed resources for faculty compiling reports.  The NCATE Information for Institutions web page includes updated guidelines on submitting reports, explanations about State relations, information on protocols and contacts, and a summary of Frequently Asked Questions.
Faculty also can learn more about the on-site visit by the NCATE Board of Examiners.  NCATE’s information on the Board of Examiners includes information on the role of BOE members, Institutional visits, BOE policies, and more.

Training Opportunities

NAEYC offers full-day workshops for faculty compiling program reports in conjunction with our conferences.  These interactive workshops are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the report requirements, to hear from experienced reviewers, to see examples and get ideas about assessment systems and program improvement, and to network with colleagues also going through accreditation.
Read more about upcoming workshops. 

For more information about our upcoming conferences:

• The NAEYC National Institute in New Orleans in June 2008
• The 2008 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo in Dallas in November 2008

Interested in becoming a reviewer?  There are many benefits to being on the NCATE Program Review Panel.  NAEYC accepts online applications in each spring, and the NAEYC Governing Board appoints members to the Panel for a three-year cycle to review program reports.  NAEYC trains reviewers.  Read more about becoming a reviewer or contact ncate@naeyc.org.

NCATE also provides helpful information about the qualifications and responsibilities of becoming a reviewer.

Contact Information

Need a helping hand?  Here’s a reminder about whom to contact: