CONGRATULATIONS

YOU HAVE CHOSEN AN EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM THAT IS ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN

What is accreditation?

Early childhoo programs accredited by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditations have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and have been found to be in substancial compliance with the criteria. The criteria can be found on NAEYC's website at naeyc.org/accreditation.

What is a high-quality early childhood program?

A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children.

In accredited programs you will see:
• • frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children
• • Planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development
  such as reading stories, block building, painting, dress up, and active outdoor play.
• • Specially trained teachers and administrators
• • Ongoing professional development
• • Enough adults to respond to individual children
• • Many varied age-appropriate materials
• • Respect for cultured diversity
• • A healthy and safe environment for adults and children
• • Inclusive environment
• • Regular, two-way communication with families who are welcome visitors at all times
• • Effective administration
• • Ongoing, systematic evaluation

Accreditation is valid for three years. During that period, programs should maintain compliance with accreditation standards, document program improvements, and provide notification about major changes.