NORWESCAP Child and Family Resource Services, the local child care resource and referral agency for Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren Counties, is prepared to introduce “Together 4 Quality,” an accreditation project.
The purpose of this new project is to enhance the quality of center based care and registered family child care in northwest New Jersey.
“Research proves that quality early care and education experiences have an impact on children’s later school success,” states Antonette Franklin, staff member at Child and Family Resource Services.
“NORWESCAP Child and Family Resource Services has partnered with nineteen child care programs to increase the number of accredited child care programs available for children and families,” adds Sharon Giacchino, director.
“Each child care program will select a State approved national accreditation to pursue.”
Currently in Sussex County, there are four accredited child care programs. “Together 4 Quality” will increase that number to eleven.
NORWESCAP Child and Family Resource Services’ team of child care specialists and child care health consultants will conduct several research based rating scales to gather information on program services and assist each child care program in developing a quality improvement plan.
Through free on-site technical assistance and training, NORWESCAP staff will work with programs to navigate accreditation standards, as well as implement policy and environmental changes that affect the quality of services offered to children and families.
The child care programs selected to participate in the project in Sussex County are Blessed Beginnings Preschool and Kindergarten; Great Beginnings Early Childhood Learning Center; Rainbows of Learning; Family Child Care Provider- Jacqueline Schmitt; Smart Start Too; and the Sussex County YMCA After School Program.
At a recent project kick-off celebration, directors and key staff members participated in accreditation training. Representatives from both the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation were present to give overviews of their quality standards.
During the day’s events, directors shared their thought about “Together 4 Quality” and accreditation.
“Accreditation is a visible way to validate our hard work and high standards,” according to Karen Rothstadt, director of Great Beginnings Early Childhood Learning Center in Hardyston.
“The staff at NORWESCAP CFRS has been a very positive professional influence to the school. Their proactive attitudes and support will surely be a tremendous help.”
When asked how accreditation will impact Great Beginnings, Rothstadt responds, “Our families are very supportive and accreditation will help us further unify our goals with the parents.”
Full text available at Straus Newspapers
From Early Childhood Focus
NORWESCAP introduces ‘Together 4 Quality’ accredidation program child care
Posted in:
New Jersey,
Quality
By Sheila Holland
August 27, 2007
August 27, 2007
© Copyright 2008 by Early Childhood Focus