Arizona Early Learning Guidelines and Standards

Resources to help achieve the highest standards and adhere to the best guidelines in early learning.

Arizona Early Learning Standards

The Arizona Early Learning Standards (ELS) have been developed to provide a framework for the planning of quality learning experiences for all children 3 to 5 years of age. The standards cover a broad range of skill development and provide a useful instructional foundation for children from diverse backgrounds and with diverse abilities. The standards are intended for use by all those who work with young children in any early care and education setting in urban, rural and tribal communities.

To view the current Arizona Early Learning Standards for preschool age children, please visit: https://cms.azed.gov/home/GetDocumentFile?id=591e2ea43217e122b492b21f

Arizona Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines

The Arizona Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines document recognizes the importance of shared responsibility and accountability to achieve positive outcomes for all children. Arizona’s infants and toddlers are cared for, nurtured and educated in a variety of settings, including their own homes, family, friend and neighbor homes, child care centers, family child care homes, preschools and other early education programs. This document, like its companions, the Arizona Early Learning Standards (for all children 3 to 5 years of age) and the Arizona Program Guidelines for Quality Early Care and Education (for all programs serving children birth through Kindergarten), stresses the importance of collective efforts among families, early care and education professionals, health care professionals, family support providers, community members and policymakers in supporting the learning and development of young children.

To view the current Arizona Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines please visit: ​https://www.azftf.gov/WhoWeAre/Board/Documents/az_infant_toddler_guidelines.pdf

Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Education: Birth through Kindergarten

Accompanying the ELS is the newly revised and expanded, Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Education: Birth through Kindergarten. This document is a set of recommended practices for programs as they strive for excellence. It outlines, through nine specific indicators, the quality elements present in an early childhood program that will help eliminate the learning gap and set children on a pathway to school success. This differs from the ELS as it focuses specifically on the systems and adult actions needed to support the growth and development of young children. It established the how needed to create a quality program.

To view the current Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Education recommended practices, please visit:  https://cms.azed.gov/home/GetDocumentFile?id=5879561caadebe0c98a80509

K-12 Academic Standards – Arizona Department of Education

Academic standards are important because they help ensure that all students, no matter where they live, are prepared for success in college and the workforce. They help set clear and consistent expectations for students, parents, and teachers; build your child’s knowledge and skills; and help set high goals for all students. Of course, high standards are not the only thing needed for our children’s success. But standards provide an important first step — a clear roadmap for learning for teachers, parents, and students. Having clearly defined goals helps families and teachers work together to ensure that students succeed. Standards help parents and teachers know when students need extra assistance or when they need to be challenged even more. They also will help your child develop critical thinking skills that will prepare him or her for college and career.

To view the current academic standards, please visit:http://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/