NAEYC Accredited
Parker-Chase Preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. NAEYC defines the gold standard for early childhood education and care. Schools who wish to be accredited by NAEYC undergo intense review. Only the best are awarded NAEYC accreditation.
We are proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards. NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, the organization now has nearly 100,000 members, and a national network of over 350 local, state, and regional affiliates. NAEYC and its affiliates work to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education, and to build public support for high-quality early childhood programs. NAEYC has measured the quality of childcare centers, preschools, kindergartens, and other center- and school-based early childhood programs through its accreditation system for more than 25 years.
In 1985, Parker-Chase was asked to be part of a pilot credentialing program sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This pilot program led to the current NAEYC Accreditation program. Parker-Chase was one of the early schools accredited by NAEYC and has been re-accredited ever since.
To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Parker-Chase Preschools 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 on-site visits 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 Parker-Chase Centers are leaders 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.
