NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center Release New Guidance on the Use of Media and Interactive Technology in Early Childhood Programs

Statement is a Timely Resource for the Field of Early Childhood Education in the U.S.

WASHINGTON—The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College today released a comprehensive statement, “Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8,” providing important new guidance to early childhood programs on the effective use of media and technology. (The position statement is available here.)

"Our world and technology are rapidly changing; teachers and administrators face new choices every day about how to use interactive technologies," said Jerlean Daniel, Executive Director for NAEYC. "The position statement provides important, timely, research-based guidance to professionals as they consider if, when and how to use technologies.”

“We believe that when used appropriately, technology and interactive media have tremendous potential to nurture early learning and development,” added Rita Catalano, Executive Director for the Fred Rogers Center. “The position statement is intended to support all those who care for and about young children in making informed, child-centered decisions about these new tools.”  

A Key Messages document summarizing the position statement is available to the media here.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—Founded in 1926, NAEYC has nearly 80,000 members worldwide. The association is the largest and most influential advocate for early care and education in the United States. For more information, visit www.naeyc.org.

Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College—Through its signature programs and other mission-driven initiatives, the Fred Rogers Center works to advance the fields of early learning and children’s media by acting as a catalyst for communication, collaboration, and creative change. For more information, visit www.fredrogerscenter.org.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Statement, Key Messages and other background information are available to the media at http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children.

NOTE: NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center do not endorse or recommend software, hardware, curricula, or other materials.