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Connecticut College Children´s Program earns national accreditation
December 13, 2007
NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Connecticut College Children´s Program, located on the Connecticut College campus, is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
The Connecticut College Children´s Program provides a model child and family-focused early childhood program within a community context for infants and young children of diverse backgrounds and abilities in southeastern Connecticut. The child-centered, play-based study and development setting is central to the College´s academic curriculum through its provision of placements for College students and opportunities for student and faculty research.
"We are extremely proud that the NAEYC has recognized the excellence of our children´s program," Dean of the Faculty Roger Brooks said. "Our human development students and faculty work diligently to provide these children with the finest preschool education."
To earn NAEYC Accreditation in the new system, the Connecticut College program went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 new 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 10 NAEYC program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.
"The accreditation process is extremely complex," Kathryn O´Connor, director of the children´s program, said. "Each teacher was required to create a portfolio which demonstrated a competence of a specific standard."
In the 20 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. As of September 2006, the association´s revised program standards and criteria have introduced a new level of quality, accountability and service for parents and children in child care programs. The new standards 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 Connecticut College Children´s Program enrolls approximately 90 preschool children, including 19 who meet specific income guidelines and whose tuition is covered by a state Department of Education Grant. In addition, the program serves school-aged children whose local boards of education pay tuition and speech, occupational and physical therapy costs. A ´Birth to Three´ program for challenged toddlers adds to the inclusive environment and developmental setting.
Among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 41 states, the District of Columbia and 42 countries. The college is known for putting the liberal arts into action through interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. Founded in 1911, the college operates under an 86-year-old honor code. The college is located at 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, about two hours by car from Boston and New York. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum overlooking Long Island Sound. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.
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For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu