FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 23, 2013) -- Child Development Center Yorktown -- one of four FMWR-sponsored CDC facilities on Fort Lee -- has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the organization that promotes excellence in the field of early childhood learning and development across the United States.
"We are very proud to have earned the mark of quality from the NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Glenda Howard, CDC Yorktown director. "NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in this program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.
"We are committed to providing quality services that support readiness and well-being by reducing the conflict between parental responsibilities and mission requirements," Howard also noted. "Soldiers can concentrate on their mission knowing their children are safe and supervised in a high-quality child and youth services program."
To earn NAEYC accreditation, CDC Yorktown went through a year-long, self-study process that measured the quality of its services against the 10 Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 other accreditation-related criteria established by the national association. That was followed by a two-day assessment by NAEYC representatives who also ensured that the program meets each of the ten program requirements.
Accredited facilities like CDC Yorktown must maintain the quality of programs as well. Each is subject to unannounced visits by the NAEYC during the accreditation period of five years.
In the 25 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education, according to the information found on the organization's website, www.naeyc.org. More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by the association, including about 8 percent of all preschools and 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, the executive director of the NAEYC. "Having earned accreditation is a sign that Fort Lee CDC Yorktown is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education."
In September 2006, the NAEYC accreditation system was revised to introduce new standard and criteria that promoted a higher level of quality, accountability and service for parents and youths in child care programs. The 10 new standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development.
CDC Battle Drive also earned accreditation in 2011. CDC Sisisky and the CYSS Multi-Purpose Center are currently working on their 12-month documentation process for the NAEYC assessment.
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