(l to r) Edna Quinones, Shante Reese, and Denise Gonzalez share a moment with Gen. John Kelly, Commander, U.S. Southern Command. Gen. Kelly presented the team with a plaque honoring the completion of a two-year process for the USAG-Miami Child Deve...
(l to r) Edna Quinones, community based program manager; Shante Reese, admin assisstant; Denise Gonzalez, CDC director; Gen. John Kelly, USSOUTHCOM Commander; Mignon Moore, garrison manager, and Michael Norman, deputy garrison manager, with a plaque ...
DORAL, Fla -- The U.S. Army Garrison-Miami Child Development Center has earned accreditation from the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has established professional standards requiring great effort and dedication to the welfare of children. The process for USAG-Miami started in 2012.
"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment," said Denise Gonzalez, Facility Director at USAG Miami CDC, following a presentation from Gen. John Kelly, Commander, U.S. Southern Command.
NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our high-quality program have teachers who create engaging classrooms, enhance relationships with their parents and families, and develop rich experiences for their students."
USAG-Miami CDC staff worked diligently during this extensive process. To earn NAEYC Accreditation, USAG-Miami CDC 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. Nearly 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC -- approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.
"It's a lengthy and rigorous process to achieve NAEYC Accreditation, and USAG-Miami CDC should be commended for seeking high standards," said Rhian Evans Allvin, executive director of NAEYC.
"Caring for children is not 'rocket science' -- it's brain science. Studies prove that the brain connections made in the first few years of life set a child's path for success in school and in life. That's why quality educators are so crucial. For parents and caregivers of young children who are searching for a high-quality early learning experience, USAG-Miami CDC NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that it offers a high-quality education in a nurturing and stimulating environment."
The NAEYC Accreditation system has set standards since 1985. In September 2006, the Association revised program 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 using the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible. The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers, and other early education programs.
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. For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.
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