NAEYC’s Vision of Excellence for Early Childhood Education America’s Prosperity and Potential Depend on

All Children have access to a safe, accessible, high-quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum, knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators, and comprehensive services supporting children’s health, nutrition, and social well-being in an environment that respects and supports diversity. All Early Childhood Professionals are supported with a career ladder, ongoing professional development opportunities, and compensation that attract and retain high-quality educators. All Families have access to affordable and high-quality early care and education programs and participate in the education and well-being of their children through family involvement in programs and schools. All Communities and States are accountable for the quality of early childhood programs and support them through the local, state, federal, and private funding needed to deliver quality programs and services, which in turn will produce benefits from their investments by reducing the need for remedial and special education, and lowering teen pregnancy, school dropout rates, and the incidence of juvenile crime. This vision of excellence is underscored by principles of equity, inclusion, and respect for diversity so that l All young children receive high-quality early childhood education regardless of the setting or auspice of the program. l High-quality programs are accessible to all families, regardless of income. l Effective early education challenges young children and is appropriate to their ages, individual needs, and cultures. l Early childhood professionals have excellent preparation, ongoing professional development, and compensation commensurate with their qualifications and experience