"Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth through Age 8."

National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center Release Joint Position Statement

Dear Friends of the Fred Rogers Center,      I'm happy to let you know about the release of the joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Fred Rogers Center, on "Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth through Age 8."  The statement is posted today on the NAEYC website at  http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children, which also includes a pre-recorded webcast highlighting key messages.        Thanks to so many of you who have contributed comments and suggestions over the nearly three years that the statement was researched and written.  I hope that we can continue to count on your support as we all work together to advance the statement's principles and recommendations.       The statement document acknowledges the contributions of the writing team co-chairs and Fred Rogers Center Senior Fellows, Roberta Schomburg from Carlow University and Chip Donohue from the Erikson Institute. Throughout the process of developing the position statement, Roberta, Chip, Madhavi Parikh from NAEYC, and other members of the writing group were guided by Fred Rogers' request of all of us--to "think of the children first."      Please let us know what you think.  NAEYC and the Rogers Center invite the submission of questions to TechnologyandYC@naeyc.org.  And, we're especially interested in hearing from you with examples of developmentally appropriate uses of technology and interactive media.      All the best for your own work in support of children, families, and early childhood professionals. Rita Catalano Executive Director