Stony Brook Child Care located at Stony Brook University has earned 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 Mary Cain, executive director, Stony Brook Child Care. “NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.”
Stony Brook Child Care has been providing high-quality early care and education to the campus and community for more than 40 years. In 1991 it became one of the first NAEYC accredited centers in the state. The program evolved from grass roots parent-co-ops making creative use of spaces on campus to a state-of-the art building designed for very young children that opened in 2001. The center offers full-day early childhood programs for children from 2 months to 5 years of age that emphasize learning opportunities grounded in play and discovery, social skills including conflict resolution, and an environment of respect and caring.
To earn NAEYC accreditation, Stony Brook Child Care 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 30 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education.
“It’s a lengthy and rigorous process to achieve NAEYC accreditation, and Stony Brook Child Care 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, Stony Brook Child Care’s NAEYC accreditation is a sign that it offers a high-quality education in a nurturing and stimulating environment.”
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 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.
For more information about Stony Brook Child Care programs for children, call the center at (631) 632-6930.
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