Accreditation

Since 1990, St. Mark’s Nursery School has maintained accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This accreditation is renewed every five years and involves a complex process including self-study, evaluation and site visits from NAEYC validators.

Standards
NAEYC has set a high standard of quality for early childhood education programs. NAEYC examines and evaluates programs by dividing criteria into ten standards:

• Relationships: the promotion of positive relationships between teachers and families, teachers and children, children within the classrooms, and the school community as a whole;

• Curriculum: teachers provide developmentally appropriate curricula accommodating the needs and diversity of the children in their care, while planning for physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development;

• Teaching: the skills and knowledge of the teachers as they implement meaningful, appropriate learning activities and experiences;

• Assessment of children’s progress;

• Health: the promotion of positive nutrition and health practices, protecting children and staff from illness and injury;

• Teachers: staff qualifications that include education, knowledge, professional commitment and an understanding of families’ diverse needs and interests;

• Families: a collaborative relationship between the program and the families regarding the progress of the children, and the diverse cultural needs of the families;

• Physical Environment: a safe, healthy indoor and outdoor environment that is well maintained and appropriate for the staff and children;

• Leadership and Management: effective leadership that promotes a stable, fiscally responsible, high quality experience for staff, children and families.

  
  For more information on the accreditation process and the goals and visions of NAEYC, inquire at the nursery school office or visit the NAEYC website at www.naeyc.org.