MCPK Reaccredited by NAEYC

The Montclair Community Pre-K (MCPK) is pleased to announce that it has been reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  This is a significant accomplishment, affirming the MCPK’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education. NAEYC Accreditation sets the highest standards for quality and has become increasingly more rigorous since its inception in the early 1980's; only about 5% of the early childhood centers in the state of New Jersey are NAEYC accredited and only 8% of centers nationwide. The MCPK was first awarded NAEYC accreditation in 1998 and has maintained its high standards ever since.  
The NAEYC Accreditation program is voluntary and intended to identify high-quality early childhood education programs across the country.   “The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC.  “Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that the Montclair Community Pre-K is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.” 
The accreditation process includes the completion of a self-study and submission of a detailed application prior to admission as a candidate program.  Candidate programs are then evaluated to ensure that they meet NAEYC standards.  There are 10 program standards in the areas of relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment of children, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment and leadership and management and over 400 related accreditation criteria.  In meeting these standards, the MCPK received a 100% rating in eight of the 10 standards and over 93% in the other two standards. 
“Congratulations to the staff, faculty and students at the MCPK”, said Sean Flynn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MCPK.  “It’s gratifying to see the school recognized for the great work and high standards it has consistently maintained.” NAEYC evaluation includes completion of a program portfolio demonstrating how the school meets the requirements in each of the standards; every classroom must also develop a portfolio.  Finally, NAEYC conducts an intensive two-day site visit to assess the program and evaluate attainment of standards. The MCPK completed its on-site evaluation in June and received notification of reaccreditation on September 11th.  
“We are very proud of the work that the administration and faculty puts into the program every day, but more importantly, we are proud to be working with the children and families in the Township of Montclair to advance Early Childhood Education,” said Carolyn DeVito, Interim Executive Director of the Montclair Community Pre-K. For information about the MCPK, contact the school at 973-509-4500 or visit the school website at www.montclairprek.org.