Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/naeyc-accreditation-self-study-a-unique-opportunity-to-reinvent-your-program/5016614/
The elusive question of quality is one that plagues many directors of early care and education programs. How do you know if your program truly is of high quality? What are the elements that make a program excellent? What guide can you use for best practices?The answer to these conundrums is right in front of you �" begin a self-study using the accreditation tools provided by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Academy for Early Childhood Accreditation. By working towards achieving accreditation, you, your staff, and parents in your program have a unique opportunity to examine every aspect of your early care and education program and revisit all areas of operation with a new perspective. Using the research-based Early Childhood Standards and Accreditation Performance Criteria as a guide, you bring another voice to the table �" one that can support your goals to raise the quality bar at your center.
The key to working on accreditation is focusing on quality improvement through examining best practices in the field and building a base of support and enthusiasm among your staff, parents, and governing board. Setting up a timeline with specific goals and implementing a program ...