Pillars’ Child and Family Development Center Earns NAEYC Accreditation

LAGRANGE PARK - Pillars is excited to announce that its Child and Family Development Center has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.  The NAEYC Academy sets and monitors standards for high-quality early childhood education programs and accredits programs that meet these standards.  Only eight percent of early childhood education programs are currently accredited by NAEYC. 

“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.  NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible,” said Ann Schreiner, Pillars’ President and CEO. 

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the Child and Family Development Center 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.

“Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that Pillars is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC.

Pillars’ Child and Family Development Center provides Early Head Start, Head Start and Daycare.  Founded 44 years ago, more than 200 children ages 0-5 are served annually at the Child and Family Development Center.  Ninety-seven percent of the families live at or below the federal poverty level.  Pillars embraces supportive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with families inspiring children to grow, flourish, and succeed.  Partnering with parents and family members is critical in the children’s success.  Early education helps ensure a healthy and bright future for our community.

“Our staff works tirelessly to provide high-quality early childhood education for children who have limited resources. Our NAEYC Accreditation not only recognizes our efforts and expertise, but reinforces our shared belief that every child deserves to have access to this high standard of education and care.” said Charron Garcia, Associate Vice President for Pillars Child and Family Development Center.  

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Pillars is a leading mental health and social service agency in the western suburbs.  Serving over 36 communities and close to 10,000 people annually, Pillars works to build healthier communities by providing quality mental health services, social services and education to people of all ages.  To find out more about our services, please visit the Pillars website at www.pillarscommunity.org