Betsey B. Winslow Elementary School has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Betsey B. Winslow Elementary School has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“The Winslow School community is proud to have earned the mark of excellence from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Principal Paula Bailey. “NAEYC accreditation shows our families that children in Winslow’s high-quality program have teachers who create engaging classrooms, enhance relationships with their parents and families, and develop rich experiences for their students. We are building an excellent school system and Winslow is proud to be a part of that path toward excellence.”

To earn NAEYC accreditation, Winslow went through 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. 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. Nearly 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.

“It’s a lengthy and rigorous process to achieve NAEYC Accreditation, and Betsey B. Winslow School, and the New Bedford Public Schools, should be commended for seeking high standards,” said Rhian Evans Allvin, Executive Director of NAEYC. “Caring for children is not ‘rocket science’ – it’s brain science. Studies prove that the brain connections made in the first few years of life set a child’s path for success in school and in life. That’s why quality educators are so crucial. For parents and caregivers of young children who are searching for a high-quality early learning experience, Winslow’s NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that it offers a high-quality education in a nurturing and stimulating environment.”

“This mark of excellence is a validation of the exceptional work our educators do at Winslow and throughout our district as we build an excellent school system,” said Superintendent Pia Durkin. “The students, the staff, and the families of Winslow School should be pleased and proud to have earned this accreditation.”

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 using 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.