Jefferson Program Accredited By National Children’s Organization

Jefferson Preschool 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 be accredited by NAEYC, and recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Stephanie Farrelly, Principal of Jefferson. “NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences.”

The accreditation follows a year of self-study, parent surveys, and building preparation prior to a three-day visit and observation by NAEYC officials. Jefferson received high marks from the evaluators in all reviewed areas.

More than 8,000 early childhood programs—serving nearly three-quarters of a million children—are currently accredited by NAEYC. “In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of child care and preschool programs earning NAEYC Accreditation,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executive director of NAEYC. “By earning accreditation, Jefferson has become a leader in a national effort to raise the quality of early childhood education, and to help give al l children a better start.”

The philosophy behind Jefferson’s preschool curriculum is that young children learn best through hands-on activities and varied experiences that help them develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. Parents and teachers work together as partners to guide children in their growth, development and education.

Jefferson ’s program meets four days a week for 2.5 hours per morning or afternoon session. Registration is currently taking place for the 2005-2006 school year. Tuition will be $210.00 per month. Please call 682-2474 for more information.

NAEYC created its accreditation program in 1985 to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality child care and early education programs. To earn NAEYC’s accreditation, a program conducts a self-study to determine how well it meets the standards. After necessary improvements are made, the program is observed by independent, professional validators, and then reviewed by a national panel. Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period.