The Southwestern College Learning Center, formerly known as Little Builders, has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for our program,” says Mary Requena, director of Southwestern College Learning Center.  “There are 10 standards that programs are required to meet.  Out of these 10 standards, the SC Learning Center received 100% on six of those standards.  There were many long hours that were placed into this achievement by families and staff.  I can say with certainty that SC Learning Center provides the best quality care for early childhood education in this area.”

To earn NAEYC accreditation, SC Learning Center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 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.  More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately eight percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. 

“The NAEYC accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, executive director of NAEYC. “Having earned NAEYC accreditation is a sign that Southwestern College Learning Center is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.”

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.

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.  To earn NAEYC accreditation, a program must meet each of the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards.  Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period.

For more information about NAEYC accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.  For more information about the SC Learning Center, contact Requena at (620) 402-6470.