Dear WPSN families and friends,

We are delighted to share the news that WPSN, always proud of our NAEYC accreditation, has earned NAEYC re-accreditation under the new NAEYC system of accreditation! We are one of the very first early childhood programs to earn accreditation under the new system adopted in 2006 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) -- the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. As of June 2007, fewer than 100 programs nationwide had been awarded accreditation under the new system. We believe we are among the first (if not the first) local school to earn this honor.

We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards. WPSN always seeks to maintain the high standards set by our founders, Dr. Washburne and Mrs. Alschuler (a NAEYC founder). NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.

To earn NAEYC Accreditation in the new system, WPSN went through an extensive self-study process, measuring our program and services against the ten new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. We received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by a NAEYC Assessor to ensure that the program meets each of the ten NAEYC program standards.

WPSN was one of the first preschools to earn accreditation when accreditation was first offered by NAEYC, 20 years ago. Since that time, NAEYC Accreditation has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. As of September 2006, the Association‚s revised program standards and criteria have introduced a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs. The new standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. “The new NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for preschools, child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executive director of NAEYC. WPSN’s NAEYC Accreditation under the new system is a sign that we are leaders in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start.

The accreditation report praised WPSN for, among many other things, the involvement of our families in the life of the school. We look forward to continuing our work with young children...together with you!

Warmly,

Sherry, Director WPSN, and
Virginia, President, WPSN 2007-08 Board of Trustees