Groton Community School Earns National Recognition With NAEYC Accreditation

GROTON, Mass. - March 26, 2014 - PRLog -- Groton Community School, an early childhood center offering programs for children age two through Kindergarten, has earned reaccreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.  The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers and other early education programs.

“We’re thrilled to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to once again be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Linda Kosinski, Groton Community School Director. “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Groton Community School underwent 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.  Programs accredited by NAEYC must submit an annual report and are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation period, which lasts for five years.

Groton Community School received commendations in all ten categories of NAEYC Program Standards: Relationships, Curriculum, Teaching, Assessment, Health, Teachers, Families, Community Relationships, Physical Environment and Leadership and Management. The school received 100% (or higher with extra credit for emerging criteria) in all ten categories, exceeding the NAYEC defined threshold of 80% to achieve accreditation.

In the 35 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education.  More than 7,000 programs worldwide are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. Groton Community School has earned national accreditation status since 1993.

“The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, former executive director of NAEYC. “Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that Groton Community School is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.”

“At Groton Community School, we strive everyday to support the growth and development of each child individually,” said Kosinski. “We are committed to providing children with hands-on learning experiences that foster their social and cognitive growth, as well as physical development in a caring and supportive environment.  I am extremely proud of the GCS staff for all of their efforts to achieve this recognition.”

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.

For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.

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About Groton Community School:

Groton Community School is a nationally accredited, non-profit early childhood center serving families with children age two through kindergarten. For more than 75 years, Groton Community School has been committed to interacting with each child as a unique individual and dedicated to giving each child and his/her family the most positive first school experience. We strive to be a “community” school in every sense of the word, welcoming and embracing the community.  For more information, visit www.grotoncommunityschool.org.