HANALEI — Aloha School Early Learning Center in Hanalei has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals, according to a news release. “We’re proud to have earned
HANALEI — Aloha School Early Learning Center in Hanalei has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals, according to a news release.
“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” Aloha School Director Marci Whitman said in the news release. “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, Aloha School 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 10 program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.
Whitman said she credits the school’s success and achievements to its strong community ties.
“We are so grateful to all of the people who have given their support for the school over the years, it is their commitment and contributions that have helped us to reach this goal,” she said.
In the 25 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education, the news release states.
More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC — approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. Seventy-five programs in Hawai‘i — including five programs on Kaua‘i — have received the NAEYC accreditation, the news release states.
Besides Aloha School Early Learning Center, other school programs on Kaua‘i that have received the accreditation include Ae Kamali’i Preschool, KCC’s Early Childhood Development Center Na Kama Pono, PMRF’s Child Development Center and Island School’s Na Pua Keiki.
“The NAEYC accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” NAEYC Executive Director Jerlean Daniel said in the release. “Having earned NAEYC accreditation is a sign that Aloha School 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 since 1985. In September 2006, the association revised program standards and criteria to introduce a new level of quality, accountability and service, the news release states.
Whitman thanked the founders of the school, the past and present board members and staff, the foundations which support various programs within the school, the community who supports the schools fundraising efforts, the private donors and the children and families they serve.
Visit www.naeyc.org/academy for more information.
