Technology and Young Children: Online Resources and Position Statement

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

A joint position statement issued by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College.

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When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.
Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children.
Limitations on the use of technology and media are important.
Special considerations must be given to the use of technology with infants and toddlers.
Attention to digital citizenship and equitable access is essential.
Ongoing research and professional development are needed.

NAEYC offers other resources that include developmentally appropriate uses of technology in early childhood settings.

Getting Smarter About E-Books for Children - Children’s books captivate young children, and teachers love to see kids engrossed in their pages. But what if that book is an e-book? Does that change the equation?
Creating Coding Stories and Games - Early coding, or precoding, offers children experiences that integrate communication, thinking, and problem solving. These are 21st century skills that are valuable for children’s future success in our digital world.
10X: Using Technology to Engage Families - Here are 10 tips on using technology to engage families.

Technology that Supports Early Learning - This blog post highlights examples of educators integrating technology into their work with young children in ways that are developmentally appropriate.
The Role Of Relationships in Children's Use Of Technology - How does a child’s interaction with media and technology strengthen relationships?

Spotlight on Young Children and Technology - In this collection of articles from NAEYC’s journal Young Children, teachers of young children will learn about approaches for using various technologies to support their work with children and families.
Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years: Tools for Teaching and Learning - This thought-provoking guide to effective, appropriate, and intentional use of technology with young children provides strategies, theoretical frameworks, links to research evidence, descriptions of best practice, and resources to develop essential digital literacy knowledge, skills, and experiences for early childhood educators in the digital age.
Tap, Click, Read: Growing Readers in a World of Screens - With compelling text, videos, and interactive graphics, this book offers ideas for ensuring that the media at children’s fingertips promotes the skills and knowledge that enable reading.
Family Engagement in the Digital Age: Early Childhood Educators as Media Mentors - This book explores how technology can empower and engage parents, caregivers and families, and the emerging role of media mentors who guide young children and their families in the 21st century.