WESTFIELD AREA Y EARLY LEARNING CENTER REACCREDITED BY NAEYC

The Westfield Area Y is pleased to announce that the Early Learning Center, 170 Elm Street in Westfield has been reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). All NAEYC-accredited programs must meet the following 10 program standards:

· Promotes positive relationships among all children and adults.

· Implements a curriculum that is consistent with its goals for children and promotes learning and development in each of the following areas: social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive. The Y utilizes the Creative Curriculum, which focuses on how children develop and learn based on their individual interest, the learning environment and the role of the teacher. The framework incorporates a child’s natural curiosity to explore the world around them and is composed of the following eight core areas: literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, technology, healthy habits and social, moral and spiritual development.

· Uses developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches that enhance each child’s learning and development.

· Utilizes ongoing assessment approaches to provide information on children’s learning and development for families.

· Promotes the nutrition and health of children.

· Employs a teaching staff with the educational qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning.

· Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with each child’s family to foster children’s development in all settings.

· Incorporates relationships with community agencies to support the achievement of program goals.

· Promotes a safe and healthy environment with a balance of indoor and outdoor activities.

· Effectively implements policies, procedures, and systems to ensure a high quality experience for children, families and staff.

The Y’s Early Learning Center provides year-round services for children ages 6 months to 5 years and is available 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Extended care is also available from 6:00–6:30 pm for an additional fee.

NAEYC accreditation is awarded for a 5-year term. During this period, programs submit annual reports documenting compliance with NAEYC standards.The Westfield Area Y’s half-day preschool at the Robert and Virginia Bauer Branch, 422 East Broad Street is also NAEYC-accredited.

For more information on the Y’s Early Learning Center, contact Karen Theiss, (908) 654-8460 or email ktheiss@westfieldynj.org. For more information on the Y’spreschool programs at the Robert & Virginia Bauer Branch, contact Eileen Rooney at (908) 233-2700 x423 or email erooney@westfieldynj.org.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Pictured here: The Westfield Area Y’s Early Learning Center’s staff with their NAEYC Accreditation Certificate.