The Goddard School at Columbia 100 Parkway Earns National NAEYC Accreditation

COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goddard School located in Columbia has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.

"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Sandra Flax, owner. "NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."

To earn NAEYC accreditation, The Goddard School went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten 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 program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.

In the 25 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education.  More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.  

"The NAEYC accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs," said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC. "Having earned NAEYC accreditation is a sign that The Goddard School is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education."

The NAEYC accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985.  In September 2006, the Association revised program standards and criteria to introduce a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs.  The new standards today 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.

For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.

SOURCE The Goddard School