The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an organization that promotes high-quality early childhood education. Focused on children under eight years old, they’re dedicated to creating programs that improve child development through practice, policy, and research. The association accredits certain learning centers that meet their stringent standards. Learn more about their guidelines at www.naeyc.org to discover the benefits of enrolling your child in an accredited program.

Teacher & Staff Requirements

Accredited programs are staffed by professionals with educational qualifications, knowledge, and commitment. A learning center’s administrator must hold at least a four-year college degree and have taken specialized courses in child development and leadership.

Teachers hold degrees and must continue to participate in in-service training yearly that focuses on curriculum, assessment, diversity, teambuilding, special needs, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices. 

The goal of all teachers is to build positive relationships with the students, families, their community, and each other. Parents receive communications on their child’s classroom activities daily.

Curriculum Standards

Accredited learning center’s curriculum facilitates development and learning in social, physical, emotional, expressive, and cognitive areas. It includes planned activities, daily routines, and materials that spark children’s interests.

Daily schedules include indoor and outdoor experiences, different group sizes for play, quiet and active activities, and games initiated by children and teachers. When needed, modifications are made to meet a child’s special needs.

Assessment of Child Progress

Accredited centers also must follow different assessment techniques in order to track children’s learning and development. These can be both formal or informal assessments that obtain information about children’s language skills, cognitive skills, social development, approaches to learning, and more. This information helps teachers to plan appropriate lessons in order to best reach each child. The results of these assessments are shared with families in order to help further development and learning at home and at school.

Accredited by NAEYC, Northwest Children’s Center in Cromwell, CT, meets and exceeds these requirements. This early childhood education center promotes well-rounded child development for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Their structured curriculum encourage hands-on learning through exploration and play. Learn more about their programs on their website and call (860) 635-3485 to discuss your child’s needs.