Growing as a Professional
This class will discuss accrediting organizations, as well as professional programs and memberships for those wanting to take their commitment to Early Childhood Education to the next level.
Goal: to learn about professional organizations and identify appropriate opportunities for professional growth
This mobile-friendly class is accessible on any device, including tablets and phones.
2. Association for Earlyxc Learning Leaders
2. Association for Early Learning Leaders
A second accreditation process through the Association for Early Learning Leaders, formerly know as the National Association of Child Care Professionals, is also a long and tedious process, but when presented correctly to staff the goal, like NAEYC, is for programs to run a developmentally appropriate program. The goal of Early Learning Leader's is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of early care Directors, Owners, emerging leaders and other early learning professionals to ensure quality childcare programs for young children.
The program is the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). Programs that choose to apply for accreditation through NAC must:
- Be in compliance with all local and state agencies
- Have been in continuous operation for a minimum of one year at the time of validation
- Have the director in place for a minimum of six months prior to submitting a request for an on-site visit
- Have a license capacity of 15 or more children and operated on a half or full day bases
The Association has a three step accreditation process.
1. Self Study
All staff, including administrator and parents evaluate the program in accordance with NAC Accreditation standards. Strengths and areas of improvement must be identified.
Administrative procedures are reviewed using the Administrator’s Report, and classroom practices are assessed using the Classroom Observation. Parent and staff surveys are conducted. The program then completes a critical self-examination of procedures and practices, and makes improvements deemed necessary.
Once enrolled the program receives an Accreditation Manual they will use throughout the self-study and the first two years of accreditation. The program has a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years to complete the self-study and to request an onsite visit.
2. Validation
Upon completion of the self-study and satisfying improvements requested by the Commission Standards are the program can request a validation visit. During the visit, the validator(s) will review sample children and staff files and verify parent and staff surveys. The validator(s) will observe in classrooms to verify the ratings of individual classrooms.
3. Commission Review
An exit Interview will be conducted with the director, reviewing standards and/or indicator found to be without sufficient supporting evidence will be reviewed and the director will have an opportunity to make a written response.
After completing this class, the student will be able to:
- identify 3 accrediting organizations
- identify one unique characteristic of each professional program discussed
- identify 4 professional organizations