FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2009
TMC’s Elwood Center earns National NAEYC Accreditation
Elwood, IN – TMC’s Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Center located at 11882 N. 33rd. St. in Elwood, IN has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. A center’s NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start.”
“We are excited about earning the mark of quality from NAEYC. This recognition conveys our commitment to providing the families we assist the highest quality services,” stated Celia Garcia - Center Manager. “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible,” stated Mary Capello-CEO.
To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the Elwood Center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten NAEYC program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years. Approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs in the nation are currently accredited by NAEYC.
“The administration, teaching staff, and families of TMC Migrant Seasonal Head Start are all to be congratulated for earning the mark of quality represented by the NAEYC Accreditation system. On behalf of NAEYC, and specifically the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation, I commend your program’s outstanding efforts in pursuing NAEYC Accreditation”, stated Stephanie Olmore, Director – Program Assessment, NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation.
Background
As of September 2006, the Association’s revised program standards and criteria have introduced a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs. The new standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible. To earn NAEYC Accreditation, a program must meet each of the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period. The NAEYC Accreditation system was created in 1985 to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers and other early education programs.
For more information contact Regional Director Craig Taskey at (765) 453-1509.
