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| Lunch time is
a learning experience for children at the Child Development Center
at Saint Joseph Health Center. Food is served family style so children
learn important life skills. |
The Child Development Center (CDC) at Saint Joseph Health
Center recently received accreditation from NAEYC (National Association
for the Education of Young Children), an honor awarded to only about five
percent of child care centers nationwide.Centers applying for accreditation
go through a self-study process lasting several months. Then the site
is visited and evaluated by representatives of NAEYC.
"It's a very extensive process," explains Debbie Murchison,
a teacher at the CDC. "They not only look at the physical environment,
curriculum and nutrition but also relationships between the staff, children
and parents. They look at how the children learn life skills-getting along
with each other, taking care of their personal needs and problem solving."
Malynda Henderson, a supervisor, says this accreditation
says a lot about a center. "It shows we go above and beyond what's required.
Every center has to be licensed, but this accreditation shows our center
is dedicated to early education. It shows the staff cares about and respects
the children and they are in a safe, learning environment-it's not simply
a baby-sitting service."
These educators are proud of the achievement, but wish
more centers would work toward accreditation. "It's important for our
children," says Murchison. "I think Kansas City is coming around to know
just how important it is for children to get quality care."
Centers are granted accreditation for a three-year period.
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