KEENE, N.H. 12/5/08 - Keene State College's Child Development Center (CDC) has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. The CDC's program is one of the first in nation to complete NAEYC's more rigorous accreditation process.

"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Ellen Ellsberg Edge, CDC director. "NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and best early learning experiences possible."

The CDC is a demonstration early childhood education facility for Keene State College students, practicing professionals, and children and their families. The center strives to model best practices by offering nurturing environments where young children are encouraged to explore, be creative, cultivate positive relationships, experience the joy of learning, and develop a sense of community. Under the guidance of mentor teachers and in collaboration with education faculty, college students are provided with multiple opportunities to apply theory to the actual practice of teaching. The center also provides educational support and resources to families and professionals from the community.

To earn NAEYC accreditation in the new system, the CDC went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 new 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 10 program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years. For more information on NAEYC accreditation, visit their website. For more information about the CDC, please contact Ellen Edge at 603-358-2232.

More News