1535 West Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 • 602-542-4361 • www.ade.state.az.usState of Arizona
Department of Education
Tom Horne
Superintendent of Public Instruction
April 1, 2003Dear Early Childhood Educator,The Arizona Department of Education, Early Childhood Programs is pleased to introduce the revisededition of Guidelines for Comprehensive Early Education Programs for 3 to 5 year old children. Whenused in combination with other resources such as those provided by the National Association for theEducation of Young Children, or state licensing authorities, these guidelines are intended to assist allearly childhood programs in establishing program standards for early education. These programguidelines represent a consensus from educational research and field expertise as to what constituteshigh quality early childhood education.Effective early education programs meet the needs of the child and family in a comprehensive manner.High quality environments are deliberately prepared, hire qualified teachers, and implementdevelopmentally appropriate teaching and assessment practices that reflect sound research. Bestpractices should address each child’s unique physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and languagedomains through meaningful daily experiences. Additionally, comprehensive programs includeresources to serve the diverse needs of families in Arizona.As school readiness continues to be of significant priority for educators and parents, indicators forreadiness are integrated throughout this document. In fact, the National Education Goals Panel identifiedthree major components of school readiness that include: 1) readiness in the child; 2) the school’sreadiness for the child; and 3) family and community supports and services that contribute to children’sreadiness. The Guidelines for Comprehensive Early Education is a resource designed to help educatorsprepare schools that are ready for every child.The Arizona Department of Education, Early Childhood Programs is committed to the success of everychild, and strives for high quality in all early education programs. Thank you for your efforts to createcomprehensive environments for all of Arizona’s children. Visit the Arizona Department of Educationwebsite at ade.az.gov for more information on early childhood programs.Sincerely,Tom Horne
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