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.
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  Read about NAEYC's DAP framework for high quality education.
- For Families
  Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
- Higher Education
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- 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
- 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 online training.
- Topics
  Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math.
- Blog
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- Position Statements
  Learn about NAEYC’s informed positions on significant issues affecting young children’s education and development.
Events
- Annual Conference
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- 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 with NAEYC
  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 Accreditation
  Explore accreditation of early childhood higher education programs, discover the accreditation system standards, and view a list of accredited programs.
- Accreditation Research Databases
  Access accreditation data on early learning and higher education program characteristics and quality for research purposes.
Get Involved
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  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.
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  Develop grassroots efforts advancing early childhood in your community with these tools and resources.
- Join our Communities
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About Us
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- Careers at NAEYC
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- Contact Us
  Contact us with your questions-- we're here to help!
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All Play Content

Young girl smiling

Back to: Play

Baby playing with mom

Blog

November 29, 2017

Top 10 No-Cost Toys for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Explore these no cost toys that all young children can enjoy!

Authored by

Authored by:

Karen Nemeth

Members Only

A class holding up pillows

Blog

April 12, 2017

Reactions to My First Maker Fest, Part 1: From Skepticism to All In

This blog post is the second of a 4-part blog series on the reactions and experiences of a 3rd-grade teacher's first Maker Fest

Authored by

Authored by:

Sally Donnelly

Members Only

Asian girl in class smiling at camera

Blog

April 17, 2017

Reactions to My First Maker Fest, Part 2: The Third Grade Team Responds to the Maker Fest

This blog post is the second of a 4-part blog series on the reactions and experiences of a 3rd-grade teacher's first Maker Fest with her elementary school

Authored by

Authored by:

Sally Donnelly

Members Only

Children playing with pillows for maker fest

Blog

April 20, 2017

Reactions to My First Maker Fest, Part 3: Diary of a Pillow Project

This blog post is the third of a 4-part blog series on the experiences of a 3rd-grade teacher's first Maker Fest with her elementary school

Authored by

Authored by:

Sally Donnelly

Members Only

Young girl climbing out of a slide.

Blog

April 27, 2017

Reactions to My First Maker Fest, Part 4: Final Reflections

This blog post is the final of a 4-part blog series on the experiences of a 3rd-grade teacher's first Maker Fest with her elementary school

Authored by

Authored by:

Sally Donnelly

Members Only

IFspirituality

Spirituality Interest Forums

NAEYC's Interest Forums on Spirituality

Members Only

IFsocialissues

Social Issues Interest Forums

NAEYC's Interest Forums on Social Issues

Members Only

IFprogramfocus

Program Focus Interest Forums

NAEYC's Interest Forums on Program Focus

Members Only

IFplaypolicy

Play and Policy Interest Forums

NAEYC's Interest Forums on Play and Policy

Members Only

Two young professionals in a meeting room

Interest Forums on Culture

Network and dialogue with colleagues on topics related to diversity and equity

Members Only

Father and daughter playing a guitar on the couch

WOYC Activity Resources

Resources for you to help plan and execute a successful Week of the Young Child!

Members Only

Young boy throwing a snow ball outside

Books that Inspire Nature Observations

Whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, these books and ideas will inspire you and your child to observe nature.

Members Only

Daughter on her mother's back riding piggyback outside

Where Can We Explore Nature? Everywhere!

Nature is everywhere. Here are some ideas for wherever you might live, whatever the season.

Members Only

Young girl smiling during play

10 Cajas Temáticas para Aprender

10 Cajas Temáticas para Aprender

Members Only

Toddler outside looking up at sky

Turn Any Walk into a Nature Walk

Every walk is an opportunity for children to learn about the natural world.

Members Only

Father and son outside playing

Spend Time Outdoors with Your Child

Whether you live on a farm or a city block, your young children need experiences in the natural world.

Members Only

young girl rolling playdough

Playdough Power

Playdough encourages children’s language and literacy, science, and math skills—all at the same time!

Members Only

young girl rolling playdough

El poder de la plastilina

Playdough encourages children’s language and literacy, science, and math skills—all at the same time!

Members Only

family of four walking oputdoors

Exploring Shadows

. Enjoy the fun of observing shadows and how they change as you move about.

Members Only

Young girl climbing out of a slide.

Support Your Child's Learning During the Holidays!

Looking for ways to support your child’s learning during the holiday season? Here are 10 ideas that you can try during your regular activities – cooking, eating, playing, and exploring!

Members Only