Early Childhood Program Standards for Three and Four Year Olds

This document presents the Massachusetts Early Childhood Program Standards and Learning Guidelines for Three- and Four-Year-Olds, required for programs receiving funding through Community Partnerships for Children (CPC). The standards were developed in accord with the accreditation process of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and are designed to guide ongoing development, evaluation, and improvement of center-based preschool programs funded through CPC. Following an overview of the impact of these standards on various types of preschool programs in Massachusetts, the program standards are presented in the following areas: (1) interactions between staff and children and among children; (2) curriculum and assessment; (3) physical environment; (4) family involvement; (5) staff qualifications and staff development; (6) group ratio and size; (7) health and safety; (8) nutrition and food service; (9) transportation; (10) administration; and (11) accreditation and evaluation. Each area includes standards and substandards in a checklist format for ease in evaluation. A glossary of relevant terms completes the document. Seven appendices include a list of equipment and materials for preschool programs, regulations on physical access, forms for program use, and Massachusetts teacher licensing requirements. (KB)