Where we stand on standards for programs to prepare early childhood professionals

This document by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) outlines standards for the preparation of early childhood professionals. Well-prepared early childhood professionals should be able to promote child development and learning; build family and community relationships; observe, document, and assess young children and programs; use developmentally effective teaching and learning strategies; and identify with the early childhood profession. When early childhood professionals are well prepared, children are likely to experience warm, safe, and stimulating environments that lead to healthy development and constructive learning.