NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards | NAEYC

Our Work
- Power to the Profession
  Learn about the collaborative initiative to advance a unified early childhood education profession.
- Advancing Equity Initiative
  Read about this initiative focused on equity in early childhood and find other equity-related content.
- For Families
  Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
- Higher Education
  Search an ECE degree directory, explore professional standards, and join our community of practice.
- Public Policy and Advocacy
  Engage with our policy agendas, advocacy resources, and current initiatives.
- Global Engagement
  Learn about our work with governments and NGOs around the world to support young children and their teachers.
Resources
Increase your understanding of young children's learning and development through our extensive selection of research-based books, articles, and journals (Teaching Young Children and Young Children).
- Books
  Learn about and purchase the best books and resources to support young children's learning and development.
- Young Children
  Stay up to date with research-based, teacher-focused articles on birth to age 8 in our award-winning, peer-reviewed journal.
- Teaching Young Children
  Discover practical tips and innovative ideas for preschool teachers in our award-winning magazine.
- Professional Development
  Enhance your career and improve your knowledge, skills, and practices with our in-person and online training.
- Topics
  Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math.
- Blog
  Stay up-to-date on issues in early childhood education and hear perspectives from a wide range of educators.
- Position Statements
  Learn about NAEYC’s informed positions on significant issues affecting young children’s education and development.
Events
Register for the largest gathering of early childhood educators! The schedule is packed with the latest research, best practices, and tools in early learning.
- Annual Conference
  Discover the latest research, best practices, and tools at the largest gathering of early childhood educators.
- Professional Learning Institute
  Ignite and fulfill your professional development goals!
- Public Policy Forum
  Join us at the members-only event and build your advocacy skills, expand your networks, and advance federal and state early childhood policy.
- Week of the Young Child
  Celebrate young children and their families with hands-on activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.
- Sponsor
  Find a sponsorship opportunity that’s right for you and help support early childhood educators, parents, and other professionals.
- Trainings & Webinars
  Deepen your professional knowledge wherever you are with NAEYC’s exciting webinar series and online and face-to-face training opportunities.
Accreditation
- Early Learning Program Accreditation
  Discover the benefits of early childhood accreditation, learn about the four step process, find support and resources for your program or login to the accreditation portal.
- Early Learning Accreditation Portal
  Login to the Early Learning Accreditation Portal to take charge of your accreditation process.
- Higher Education Quality Assurance
  Explore accreditation of early childhood higher education programs and discover the accreditation system standards.
Get Involved
- Learn about Membership
  Join your professional membership association, explore local Affiliates, and access unbeatable member benefits.
- Advance your Career
  Explore jobs in the Career Center and find higher education and professional development opportunities.
- Become an Advocate
  Develop grassroots efforts advancing early childhood in your community with these tools and resources.
- Join our Communities
  Say Hello and discuss, network, and connect with our interest forums and online communities.
- Align with Us
  Support our mission and reach the NAEYC audience through your advertisement, conference exhibit booth, or sponsorship.
- Leadership Opportunities
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About Us
- People
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- Partner
  Become an organizational or corporate partner to inspire early childhood education at the local and national level.
- News and Updates
  Stay current on all things related to your professional association, from book releases to policy updates.
- Careers at NAEYC
  Join NAEYC’s team and help us advance the education of young children across the country.
- Donate
  Support access to high-quality early childhood education programs and opportunities and resources for educators.
- Contact Us
  Contact us with your questions-- we're here to help!
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Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

The professional standards and competencies describe what early childhood educators should know and be able to do.

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Learn more about NAEYC's various higher education initiatives

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Learn about the difference between NAEYC's two higher education quality assurance systems.

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Find higher education accreditation resources, information on professional development opportunities, and more.

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Learn about the process, benefits, and fees associated with pursuing NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation.

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NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards

NAEYC's standards for early childhood professional preparation programs

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Recognition of Higher Education Programs

Learn more about NAEYC's National Recognition system

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Overview of the Recognition Process

Learn more about the NAEYC Recognition process and which types of programs may be eligible.

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Summary of the NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards

A quick overview of the NAEYC standards for professional preparation programs.

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Article

Young Children

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Ensuring Best Practice: Program, State, and National Quality Improvement Initiatives

In this issue of Young Children we highlight best practices and quality improvement initiatives currently taking place in different settings across the country.

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