DAP: Recommendations for Policymakers
You are here
In addition to these recommendations, readers are encouraged to also refer to the Unifying Framework for Early Childhood Education Profession and the NAEYC position statement Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education .
A. Ensure that all those working directly with children in early childhood settings, from birth through age 8, have equitable, affordable access to high-quality professional preparation required to meet the standards and competencies at all professional designations. This may include providing comprehensive scholarships, loan forgiveness, and supports to early childhood educators working in all settings.
B. Provide adequate funding to ensure all children have equitable access to high-quality early childhood programs that meet these guidelines and follow other guidelines established by the profession, including small class/group sizes and sufficient numbers of well-prepared and well-compensated teaching staff to provide the individualized attention needed to implement these guidelines effectively (and as stipulated in the NAEYC Early Learning Program Standards).
C. Recognize the limitations of accountability systems that narrowly focus on skill-based assessments and revise policies accordingly. Assessment policies should stipulate the use of authentic assessments that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for the children being assessed and that only use valid and reliable tools designed for a purpose consistent with the intent of the assessment.73 Assessments should be tied to children’s daily activities, supported by professional development, and inclusive of families; they should be purposefully used to make sound decisions about teaching and learning, identify significant concerns that may require focused intervention for individual children, and help programs improve their educational and developmental interventions.
D. Provide more equitable learning opportunities for all young children, recognizing the need for comprehensive services for families. Address the historical inequities in housing, employment, acquisition of wealth, transportation, personal safety, and health care that directly impact children’s development and learning.