NAEYC supports and values the rights of every child, regardless of ability, to participate actively in natural settings within their communities. NAEYC promotes inclusive early childhood programs that serve all children. NAEYC also promotes the development of degree programs that prepare teachers, administrators, and other professionals to develop and work within inclusive early childhood settings.

Inclusion of each and every young child is a thread that weaves through each of NAEYC's Professional Preparation Standards. All NAEYC Recognized Initial and Advanced Degree Programs demonstrate that they prepare early childhood professionals for inclusive settings. However, blended programs go further and demonstrate that they meet both NAEYC early childhood standards and CEC/DEC (Council for Exceptional Children/Division of Early Childhood) special education standards.

To streamline the review process, these programs are permitted to submit a single, blended program report. That one report must provide evidence that the program meets both NAEYC standards and CEC standards. A team of CEC/DEC and NAEYC reviewers jointly review blended program reports, ensuring that both sets of standards are met. Blended program reports are permitted to include additional assessments, for a total of 8 – 12 assessments.

This streamlined process is encouraged, but not required. A blended program may choose to submit two separate program reports (using 6 – 8 assessments each) to NAEYC and CEC instead of submitting a single report.