What is the relationship between NCATE unit standards and NAEYC standards?
NCATE’s unit standards are broad and provide an umbrella for the more specific standards that apply to each specialty program (e.g., early childhood education, mathematics, physical education, special education). Under that umbrella, Specialty Professional Associations (SPAs), such as NAEYC, establish customized standards that apply to the specific education program in question. These SPA-established standards do not contradict the standards for the unit; rather, they establish a more specific set of expectations related to each specialty program. Programs must comply with NCATE’s unit standards and the standards of its designated SPA. NCATE has reviewed and approved NAEYC’s standards. There are five NAEYC program-level standards, each comprised of several key elements. There are six NCATE standards. NCATE Standards 1 and 2 apply to candidate performance, and Standards 3 – 6 apply to unit capacity. Program reports center around the five NAEYC standards and NCATE Standard 1.
