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What Does NAEYC Accreditation Really Mean?

Written by The ¾«Æ·Âé¶¹ School | Jul 15, 2024 2:11:27 PM
Being accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation�s largest early childhood accrediting organization, is so much more than a logo on a banner or a call out in marketing materials. It�s a designation that�s hard-earned � one that represents a commitment to delivering a superior standard of quality education to children and their families. In fact, NAEYC accreditation is achieved by less than 10 percent of early childhood education centers in the country. �Accreditation helps families recognize quality early learning programs and feel comfortable knowing that their children are receiving a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future success,� states NAEYC. Since our founding in 1998, The ¾«Æ·Âé¶¹ School curriculum has always been designed to meet or exceed NAEYC standards, and we are making every effort for all of The ¾«Æ·Âé¶¹ Schools to achieve NAEYC accreditation. NAEYC Standards So what does NAEYC accreditation look like on a practical level? Programs that are accredited must meet all 10 NAEYC standards:  
  1. Relationships NAEYC-accredited programs must promote positive relationships for all children and adults to encourage each child�s sense of individual worth.

  2. Curriculum NAEYC-accredited programs must implement a curriculum that fosters all areas of child development: cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social.

  3. Teaching NAEYC-accredited programs must use developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches.

  4. Assessment of child progress NAEYC-accredited programs must provide ongoing assessments of each child�s learning and development and communicate the child�s progress to the family.

  5. Health NAEYC-accredited programs must promote the nutrition and health of children and protect children and staff from illness and injury.

  6. Staff competencies, preparation and support NAEYC-accredited programs must employ and support a teaching staff that has the educational qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment necessary to promote children's learning and development and to support families' diverse interests and needs.

  7. Families NAEYC-accredited programs must establish and maintain collaborative relationships with each child's family.

  8. Community relations NAEYC-accredited programs must establish relationships with and use the resources of the community to support achievement of program goals.

  9. Physical environment NAEYC-accredited programs must provide a safe and healthy physical environment.

  10. Leadership and management NAEYC-accredited programs must implement strong personnel, fiscal, and program management policies so that all children, families, and staff have high-quality experiences.

�NAEYC accreditation is a demanding progression that in the end, rewards the hard work of each school and validates the quality of the education we provide our families every day,� says Christle Seal, Director of Educational Programs at The ¾«Æ·Âé¶¹ School. To learn more, explore the and the on NAEYC.org.