: Explain the types and roles of standards that guide early childhood programs. Explain at least three ways that program and accreditation standards support program quality in early childhood settings. (1–2 paragraphs)

Item 2

Review the following sets of standards: Head Start/Early Head Start Standards, NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Items, and the National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation, Based on your review, identify one aspect of quality programming for each of these age groups—infant/toddler, preschool, and early elementary. Cite at least two sets of standards to support your response. (3 paragraphs)

Item 3

Scenario: Eleven-month-old Jayden loves books. He loves to look at them, chew on them, and carry them around. You watch as he explores some of the board books you have set out within easy reach. You notice that he looks at some of the books longer than others and then comes back to his current favorite. You pick up Brown Bear, Brown Bear because you know he loves animals and the repetitive cadence of the story. You make eye contact with Jayden, smile, and, in a soothing tone, you begin to read as he climbs into your lap. As you point out the red bird and the yellow duck, Jayden seems to move to the rhythm of the words. You laugh together as you enjoy this story over and over again.

Identify at least three specific standards evidenced in the scenario. Explain how each standard supports quality in early childhood settings. (2-3 paragraphs)

Item 4

You are an early childhood educator working at a licensed preschool program, Brightside Center. The director of the center is considering pursuing accreditation but is not entirely convinced that this is necessary. To help make the decision, she has convened a small committee of staff and families to explore the pros and cons. You believe that accreditation would be beneficial for the site. Explain to the center’s director why accreditation would be beneficial for the center’s reputation in the community, for the staff, and for families served by the center. (1-2 paragraphs)

Item 5

Explain the purpose of early learning standards, including at least three potential benefits of using standards to guide the early learning and development of young children. (1–2 paragraphs)

Item 6

A colleague of yours is concerned that your state’s early learning standards require preschoolers to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities that are not developmentally appropriate. Taking his position, explain at least three potential risks and problems that may be associated with early learning standards. (2 paragraphs)

Item 7

Explain how implementing integrated learning experiences can help early childhood teachers meet standards in developmentally appropriate ways. (2-3 paragraphs

References

Provide a citation for each resource you used to write your response to this Assessment. A sample citation is provided below :

• Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (SCAA). (2012). Quality: What it is and why it matters in early childhood education. Retrieved from http://www.scaany.org/documents/quality_earlyed_scaapolicybrief_sept2012.pdf