Screen Time Recognition

Recognition in Screen Time shows that a facility knows what’s best for young children’s brains and bodies. Healthy screen time means using technology in fewer, more meaningful ways to feed children’s curiosity and build their real-world skills and knowledge. Learn more about our key evidence-based practices for Healthy Screen Time and how to apply for the recognition below.

Screen Time Policy

A written policy on healthy screen time* shows that a facility knows what’s best for young children’s brains and bodies. Written policies help the facility communicate values and expectations clearly with families and staff.

Screen Time Family Engagement

You are a trusted source of information about what’s best for children. Families value and need your guidance to sort through all of the information they get about parenting.

Educational Screen Time

Screen time is most meaningful when adults and children share the experience together. With questions, guidance, and explanations, adults can help children think about and understand what they are seeing.

Screen Time Provided

Less time with a screen means more time for children to play, explore, use their imaginations, and build social skills.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below, or review this checklist for applying. This presentation and its recording also cover the basics of applying for the Physical Activity, Outdoor Play & Learning, and Screen Time recognitions.

  1. Make sure the facility is eligible for the Screen Time recognition.
    • REACH recognized facilities/programs must be licensed and located in North Carolina and serve infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children.
    • Facilities/programs must have achieved a score of “Leading the Way” on their latest Go NAPSACC Screen Time self-assessment (taken within the past 12 months).
  1. Gather required information and documentation. Along with providing basic information about the ECE program, you will show how the facility is meeting Screen Time best practices by submitting scanned copies/photos of:
    • (if screen time is offered) a weekly schedule showing that preschool-aged children are offered 30 minutes of screen time or less each week
    • (if screen time is offered) a written description of how one teacher engages with children around screen media to expand on children’s interests or classroom themes
    • one example of a resource and conversation with families about healthy screen time
    • section of the family/staff handbook that states their commitment to healthy screen time

At the end of the application, you will have the opportunity to share why healthy screen time is important to this facility and the partners that have helped them along the way. This information is used in recognized program profiles. You may also upload a photo for this profile.

Use this print copy of the application to make sure you have all of the information you need to complete the application.

  1. Complete this online application. This checklist can help you make sure you’re ready to go. Either a representative from an ECE program or their TA partner may complete this application. You will submit one application for each facility. Applications are due by Feb 24, 2023 for March recognition, by April 15, 2023 for May recognition, or by June 15, 2023 for July recognition.

Recognition

Recognized facilities receive a profile on our website as well as a yard sign, certificate, and graphics and draft language to include in social media posts or family newsletters. REACH shares facilities’ success through social media and will work with TA Consultants to look for local opportunities to celebrate recognized facilities.

Thank you to our reviewers of the Healthy Screen Time Recognition!

Thanks to Dr. Amanda Staiano, from Louisiana State University, Aviva Starr from Go NAPSACC and our TA Advisory Committee for their feedback and guidance on our Screen Time Recognition.

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