This

recognition has been achieved by approximately 7

percent of early childhood programs nationwide.

NAEYC

accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process in

which early childhood programs demonstrate that

they meet national standards of excellence. Child

care centers, preschools, kindergartens and

before- and after-school programs are eligible to

seek NAEYC accreditation.

Programs

seeking accreditation undergo an intensive

self-study, collecting information from parents,

teachers, administrators and classroom

observations. They receive an on-site visit,

conducted by the early childhood professionals

especially trained by NAEYC to validate their

self-study results.

All

of this information is independently reviewed by

a team of national experts who grant or defer

accreditation. When awarded, accreditation is

valid for three years.

"The

heart of NAEYC accreditation focuses on the

child's experience," said Barbara Willer,

spokesman for NAEYC. "The process carefully

considers all aspects of the program including

health and safety, staffing, staff qualifications

and physical environment. The greatest emphasis

is on the children's relationships with the staff

and how the program helps each child to grow and

learn intellectually, physically, socially and

emotionally."

Fayette

County Head Start/Pre-K is at 215 Bradford Square

and 125 Carnegie Place. The center serves 171

children aged 3 - 5.

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