Accreditation

The SSC Preschool is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAEYC) which is achieved by only 8% of programs nationally.

In Spring 2007, the Preschool Program went through an extensive self-study process for reaccreditation, measuring the program and its services against the ten new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. The Preschool received their reaccreditation in June 2007, after an on-site visit by an NAEYC assessor to ensure that the program met each of the ten standards. The Salem State Preschool is accredited through 2012.

Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

Accreditation ensures a high quality early childhood program

The Salem State College Preschool is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.

"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, "said Beverly Gerson, Director of SSC Preschool. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."

In the 20 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 11,000 programs, serving one million young children are currently accredited by NAEYC- approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. "The new NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for preschools, child care centers and other early childhood programs," said Mark Ginsburg, Ph.D., executive director of NAEYC. "The Salem State College Preschool's NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start."

The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985. 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 NAEYC Accreditation system was created in 1985 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.