St. Francis Children’s Center’s Early Childhood Education Program recently received accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC).
NAC offers early childhood leaders the opportunity to demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices. This accreditation recognizes us as an organization that exemplifies excellence in the care of young children through our high quality programming that promotes individual growth and development in a safe and stimulating environment.
The accreditation process includes a self-study. During the self-study, staff, parents and administrators evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our Early Childhood Education Program using NAC standards. Following self-study is an onsite visit by a NAC validator. During the visit, the validator reviews documents and files, and makes classroom observations. Lastly, in order to determine the award, deferral or denial of accreditation, a thorough commission review of program materials and processes is completed.
Accreditation covers a three year award period – St. Francis Children’s Center was last awarded accreditation in 2014. Throughout the next three years, we will be required to submit annual reports and must remain in compliance with NAC standards.
We are proud to have once again gained this accreditation in recognition of the excellent care St. Francis Children’s Center provides to children. With or without this outside review process, we have always and will always be driven by our founding philosophies to provide the highest quality care and education to children.
By Kara Petersen, Development & Volunteer Coordinator