CDC receives national accreditation

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Child Development Center here recently received accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
 
Founded in 1926, the organization known as NAEYC, is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, according to the NAEYC website. 

There are only two day care centers in Kent County, Del., which have NAEYC credentials, and one of them is the base CDC. 

"As parents, we always want the best for our children and knowing that the CDC is truly among the best is a wonderful feeling," said Senior Airman Nicole Seigler, a 512th Airlift Wing air reserve technician who has a daughter enrolled at the CDC. 

The on-base provider previously had the NAEYC certification, which lasts five years; but, new standards and more stringent requirements were initiated in September 2006, according to NAEYC's website. 

"While we were confident of our practices and procedures, there was still some apprehension," said Sally Savoie, CDC director. "We had heard of other centers being deferred under the new guidelines." 

The agency, whose mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children, posted on their website there has been a reduction in accredited programs since the standards increased. 

Child care centers must meet 437 criteria in order to receive the national accreditation. 

However, the process to be considered for NAEYC licensing, starts long before the actual evaluation. Armed with Air Force training, specifically designed to guide centers through the process, and the assistance received from the 436th Force Support Squadron, Mrs. Savoie said they were ready for the challenge. 

About a year ago, she sent in the application to be recertified. It consisted of CDC facts and figures including ratios of staff and children. 

After the base center was accepted as an applicant, a 40-page candidacy package was the next hurdle. 

"We had to provide, in detail, evidence of the policies we practice as well as lengthy documentations of how we meet the standards," said Mrs. Savoie. 

Following the paper process, the CDC, which cares for infants to five-year-olds, was given a six-month window for when their evaluation would take place. In mid-March, the center learned a NAEYC evaluator would be grading the center in two weeks. 

From Ohio, the assessor arrived March 25 and stayed for three days, reviewing program documents, analyzing staff and family surveys and conducting classroom observations of all age groups. 

Infant rooms 

In rooms where babies crawl around, the reviewer annotated how parents had to either take their shoes off before entering the room or place foot coverings on top of their shoes. 

"Many of the parents are exposed to work areas which may not be safe or hygienic for babies," said Mrs. Savoie. "Take a mechanic for example; they may encounter various chemicals and fuels, which could stay on the soles of their boots." 

Another safety practice in place is the posting of a young infant's picture along with their name and food source information. 

"In the event a regular care giver is unavailable, other staff members can assume duties in that room and correctly identify which baby receives what bottle and any medication if necessary," said Nadine Bugado, CDC program technician. 

Pre-toddler rooms 

The NAEYC representative witnessed various techniques used to teach the children vocabulary words such as baby sign language, said Mrs. Savoie. 

"We have a couple of staff members who have a great success rate with baby sign language; it reduces a lot of frustration, enabling the child and provider to communicate," she added. 

Toddler rooms 

Also marked as part of the NAEYC examination, was the CDC's use of singing and nursery rhymes to help build language skills. These classes also use puppets to teach children to not use aggression or physical means to meet their needs. 

Pre-school rooms 

In pre-school rooms, the educational focus is on self-help skills such as washing their hands and using the restroom in addition to continual language building. A new endeavor the CDC is embarking on is a cooperative effort between the center and the elementary school on base. 

Upon entering kindergarten, parents are advised of some tips and milestones which can help new students acclimate to their new school. Some of these items include being able to spell first and last names and recognize the alphabet. The CDC is aligning some of its curriculum to give children a head start. 

By evaluation's end, the NAEYC assessor evaluated a random sampling of the organization's 437 required criteria. Mrs. Savoie said the sampling included more than 200 areas ranging from health and environment to child progression and relationships. 

To receive NAEYC accreditation, a child care facility must score an 80 percent in 10 major categories. The base CDC scored 100 percent in six of the 10 categories; above 90 percent in two categories; and, above 80 percent in the other two areas. 

"We were very excited and were jumping up and down; we even announced it over the intercom," said Mrs. Savoie, following the notification of their scores. "It's especially nice for our staff who puts a lot of effort into their respective areas." 

"I am very privileged and proud to work here," said Christine Bates, CDC administrative assistant. 

The center went on to celebrate with a staff appreciation dinner at the base community center. 

With the CDC's ability to face a stronger system for accreditation, parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are well cared for. 

"Being a working mom means having to rely on someone else to care for your child when you aren't there," said Airman Seigler. "It's a comfort to know the staff at the CDC is doing their absolute best to provide the type of care you want your child to receive."