Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Earns NAEYC Accreditation

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Quinebaug Valley Community College is proud to announce that the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program has earned its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Receiving  national accreditation means that QVCC’s ECE program has successfully completed all components of the process, including completion of a self study, with five key assessments that reflect best practice related to NAEYC’s Seven Professional Preparation Standards. The accreditation required that all stake-holders take an in depth inventory of the program and make appropriate additions, modifications and/or changes to strengthen a myriad of outcomes. QVCC’s ECE program is now accredited for seven years, with an annual review to be submitted every March.

Related to these assessments, ongoing data collection demonstrates student competency associated with the seven NAEYC Standards and illustrates the uniqueness of the program, particularly relating to high quality field experiences and hands-on, relevant, in-classroom teaching methods and opportunities.

The accreditation of QVCC’s ECE program means that students who complete the program have earned a degree that is recognized on a national level, and demonstrates that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children, are well-trained, have access to excellent teaching materials, and work with a curriculum that is appropriately challenging and developmentally sound. Students can enter the workforce and apply for the CT Early Childhood Teaching Credential (ECTC) and/or transfer to a four-year university or college.