Early care and education program recognized among the top in the country
Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools and kindergartens in the U.S. earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – but The Malvern School of Downingtown has now earned the honor for the second time. The school has been accredited by NAEYC, the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children, since 2012. In the 30 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. According to the association, “NAEYC Accreditation helps families recognize quality early learning programs and feel comfortable knowing that their children are receiving a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future success.” NAEYC also notes that accreditation “helps teachers and other staff at early learning programs develop a shared understanding and commitment to quality. The accreditation process leads to increased staff morale, greater staff retention and a more positive, energetic work atmosphere overall.” The rigorous evaluation includes an extensive self-study process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure the program meets each of the 10 research-based program standards and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. These standards include relationships; curriculum; teaching; assessment of child progress; health; staff competencies, preparation and support; families; community relationships; physical environment; and leadership and management. Additionally, NAEYC-Accredited programs are always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term, which lasts for five years. “We’re extremely proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC and to again be recognized as one of the top early childhood education programs in the country,” says Dana Berthoud, Director of Education at The Malvern School of Downingtown. “We’re dedicated to serving families with best-in-class early learning programs and providing a fun, rewarding work environment for our exceptional teachers and staff. This honor demonstrates our commitment to both.” The Malvern School of Downingtown is currently looking for outstanding full-time and part-time teachers to join its team. For more information, visit malvernschool.com/careers. About The Malvern School The Malvern School, founded in 1998, is a year-round private preschool for children six weeks to eight years old. The Malvern School believes in developing the whole child in a nurturing yet engaging environment and offers an innovative curriculum that has raised the bar in early childhood education. Today, The Malvern School has 27 locations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and central and southern New Jersey and is dedicated to providing curriculum that is designed to meet or exceed the highest standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children. About NAEYC The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age eight, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. NAEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association comprises nearly 60,000 individual members of the early childhood community and more than 50 Affiliates, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. For more information about NAEYC, visit www.naeyc.org.