YMCA Children’s Center in Bethel Re-Accredited By NAEYC, Preschool Program Among Best in Nation

YMCA Children's Center Re-Accredited By NAEYC

Preschool Program among the top in the nation

Bethel, CT – The Preschool Program at YMCA Children's Center, a branch of the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut located in Bethel has earned re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. The Children's Center has been accredited since 1990, one of the first programs in the state to earn this recognition.

"We're proud to have earned once again the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Jill Crimi, Preschool Director, Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program have teachers who create engaging classrooms and develop rich experiences for their students."

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the Preschool Program 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 nationwide are currently accredited by NAEYC. Only 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs receive this recognition.

Early childhood education 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 an excellent superior early learning experience, the Regional YMCA's NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that it offers a superior education in a nurturing and stimulating environment.

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 preschool 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 receive the highest-quality care and education possible.