The NAEYC Recognition process hinges on a deep understanding and application of the NAEYC Standards for Professional Preparation programs. Successful programs will provide evidence of strong student performance on each of the standards: applied knowledge of child development and learning, work with families and communities, use of assessment and documentation, the practice of teaching and learning, and becoming an early childhood professional. Success in program improvement and National Recognition of the program depends on the alignment of program assessments with these five NAEYC standards. 

The program will submit a set of assessments that are aligned with the NAEYC Standards. Each assessment will include student instructions, rubrics, and performance data.   NCATE requires 6-8 assessments. The NCATE guidelines on assessments can be found here.

Types of Programs

All baccalaureate and graduate degree programs submitted for NAEYC Recognition are desginated as one of these three types.

• Initial-licensure Programs.  These programs create a foundation in the standards, values, theory, and research of early childhood programs for their students.  They include baccalaureate and masters degree programs that lead to an initial license to teach in early childhood programs and classrooms.

• Advanced Programs.  These programs accept students who 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 programs 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.

  Not sure if your program is initial or advanced? Use this chart to find out - Comparison of Initial and Advanced Professional Preparation Programs. 

  It is important to ensure that you are using the correct standards and report template for your program type. To find the report template for your program, go to NCATE Program Standards and Report Forms.

  Sample Assessments, Charts & Reports

  It may be helpful, as you select or design assessments for your Program Report, to see an example of a powerful assessment that is aligned with three of the five NAEYC standards, and examples of rubrics and data tables that would show evidence of candidate performance on those three standards.

  • Example Assessment, Rubric, and Data Table (Child Case Study) (PDF)

  Each report will be unique.  NAEYC recognizes that it can be helpful to see an example of a successful report. We would like to thank Southeast Missouri State University for granting NAEYC permission to provide the 2008 program report here.

  • 2008 Southeast Missouri State University (PDF)

  Planning Tools

  • Action Plan - This is a working chart to assist programs in determining where they are in the report and review process.
  • Assessment Planning Chart - Use this matrix, which includes key elements of each of the five standards, to determine whether your selected assessments have the capacity to unpack the standards.

  Workshops

  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. 

  Interested in becoming a reviewer? 

  NAEYC’s recognition system depends upon the commitment and professionalism of our peer reviewers. For initial and advanced programs, reviewers agree to participate in at least one annual cycle (spring or fall) each year. A team of 2-3 reviewers will read each program report, complete a draft recognition report. The team lead will post the final team report to the NCATE website. NAEYC then assigns a team of two auditors (experienced reviewers) to audit each team report. Finally, NCATE and NAEYC make any necessary technical edits to the Recognition Report before it is posted for the institution.

  NAEYC accepts online reviewer applications year round.  Qualified applicants are invited to NAEYC Reviewer training.    Click here for a reviewer application.