Accredited toys will receive a ‘STEAM Stamp of Approval’ for product packaging and marketing materials.
The Good Play Guide has joined forces with The Toy Association for a STEAM accreditation programme.
The toy industry programme will evaluate and certify STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) products for children.
Any toy company or brand involved in the manufacture, design and marketing of children’s STEAM products is invited to participate, with submitted products first being tested by children.
While the kids play, they will be observed by professionals who have been trained to carry out research with children in a robust and ethically responsible way. The toys will then be evaluated by the Good Play Guide’s team of experts, who will ensure they meet the strict criteria outlined in The Toy Association’s ‘STEAM Toy Assessment Framework’, which defines and details the specific characteristics of a good STEAM toy for various age groups.
Accredited toys will receive The Toy Association’s official ‘STEAM Stamp of Approval’ for use in marketing campaigns, product packaging and listings, plus all other digital and traditional marketing platforms.
“Within the toy industry there is a lot of talk about STEM and STEAM, but until now we’ve had no universally accepted system or uniform understanding of what is or isn’t ‘good enough’ to warrant such a label,” commented Dr Amanda Gummer. “This commitment from The Toy Association is a huge move for the industry which now sets a clear benchmark for future STEAM product and activities development.”
In addition to receiving the STEAM Stamp of Approval, all accredited products will receive placement on the Good Play Guide website and social channels, as well as on The Toy Association’s Genius of Play website and social channels.
Anna Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy Association, added: “This first of its kind accreditation programme for the entire toy industry is a game-changer for all involved in creating, marketing and selling educational products to children.”
