Introduces a position statement developed jointly by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education to identify criteria for developing, adopting, and using early learning standards. Identifies features of effective early learning standards.…

Summarizes the basic position and recommendations of a recently released joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics regarding effective, engaging early childhood mathematics education. Recommended educational practices include integrating mathematics…

Presents revised version of 1987 statement, which emphasized that the provision of high-quality early childhood programs depends upon three basic needs being met: high-quality programming for children, equitable compensation for staff, and affordable services for families or other consumers. (HTH)

Presents the 1997 position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children regarding licensing and public regulation of early childhood programs. Discusses current shortcomings in licensing systems. Delineates 10 principles for effective regulation related to regulation criteria; complementary professional licensing of individuals;…

Proposes an addendum to the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Code of Ethical Conduct concerning the unique ethical challenges facing teacher educators. Presents a conception of professional responsibility in six areas: children and families, adult students, programs hosting practicum students and programs' staffs and…

Discusses the view of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) regarding financing a system of early childhood education (ECE) in every state and community. Considers how to create a system, why financing is so important, the need to finance ECE programs and infrastructure, and various financing mechanisms. Concludes…

Welfare reform has shifted control of implementation from federal to state government. For welfare reform to adequately support all families, NAEYC posits 10 recommendations regarding quality programs, adequate funding, equitable choices for families, and data collection to measure the impact of welfare reform on children and child care. The…

Outlines a framework for effective professional development of early childhood educators that identifies key principles and premises that apply across the diverse roles and settings of early childhood professionals. Defines six specific levels of professional development, based on educational qualifications and outcomes, ranging from a certificate…

Summarizes the findings of "Making a Career of It: The State of the States Report on Career Development in Early Care and Education," which concludes that few states set adequate standards for early childhood practitioner training and that practitioners have few incentives to invest in training. Includes the report's recommendations for improving…

Asserts that the underrepresentation of African Americans in early childhood leadership positions is a critical issue for the profession. Recommends the collection of more data on leadership in early childhood education, an increase in educational opportunities for personnel already in the field, and the development of strategies to diversify the…

Summarizes major points of NAEYC's revised position, describing how the revision builds on and expands the previous document through the growing knowledge base and the input of practitioners who used the original publication. Discusses the historical context within which the position statement was written, and summarizes the revisions. Discusses…

This statement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children maintains that teachers must concern themselves with inequities in children's experiences and individual differences of students. They must have appropriate expectations for children's capabilities at the time of school entry. Offers strategies schools can use to…

Discusses the first national education goal, which concerns children starting school ready to learn. Outlines the position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and reports on activities of the National Education Goals Panel. NAEYC calls for a commitment to addressing inequities in children's lives, supporting…

Discusses current welfare reform focus on state-level funding for child care, offering implications for early childhood professionals. Notes that with temporary assistance, low-income mothers must move into the work force, resulting in increased reliance on center-based child care. Urges professionals to work with local and state policymakers to…