Quality Rating 3: Screen Time
Instructions
To meet the requirements for Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice: Screen Time: DAP 7.3 (DAP 6.3 – School-Age Only), you will upload a Screen Time Policy that describes your program’s approach to using technology and other media with children.
The Policy or Statement Builder provides a step-by-step guide for creating your policy.
Screen Time Policy
Technology has quickly become part of daily life for most of us, including many children. This easy access means that adults must make decisions about the time children spend in front of screens. Many experts have concerns about the effects of too much screen time, particularly as it relates to children’s health. At the same time, meaningful interaction with technology and media offers opportunities for children to explore worlds they might otherwise be unable to experience. A screen time policy outlines how and why the children in your program engage with technology and media devices, and the amount of screen time they are allowed.
What does the documentation look like?
A complete screen time policy includes the:
- Types of screens available to children (television, tablets, computers, etc.)
- Purpose, availability, and limitations related to screen use
- Age(s) of children exposed to screens
- How screen time is directly related to children’s learning
- How program staff facilitate learning and engage with children when screens are in use
- Other options available to children when screens are in use
Policy or Statement Builder
Develop a Screen Time Policy that describes your program’s process in managing technology and media activities with the children in your program. Once you have spent time reflecting on the questions below, you’re ready to build your Screen Time Policy.
- What types of media and technology are used in your program?
- What are the ages of children who use the media and technology?
- How do you manage screen time for the children in your program?
- How do you interact with children when they are using televisions, computers or other media devices?
Once you have spent time reflecting on the questions, you have the option to download and save the Screen Time template to create your policy.
Technology Tips
Download the PDF.
Save the PDF.
Print the PDF.
Edit the PDF.
Do you need more time to think about writing your Screen Time Policy? Use Writers Tips and Prompts to find examples and get more guidance.
Where can you learn more?
- Technology, Children and You Gain tips for planning more meaningful experiences for children with technology.
- Let’s Move: Limit Use of TV, Computers and Mobile Devices Let’s Move promotes healthy habits for children and provides useful guidelines for limiting screen time.
- Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 Guidance on applying the principles of development and learning when considering if, how, and when to use technology and new media with young children.
- Selected Examples of Effective Classroom Practice Involving Technology Tools and Interactive Media Find guidance from the National Association for the Education of Young Children on using technology effectively with children.
