In January, Roundy Elementary’s Preschool Program in Columbus Junction earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This is the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children.

To earn Accreditation from NAEYC, Roundy Elementary’s Preschool Program went through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process. This was followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors in December to verify that the program met each of the ten program standards, plus hundreds of other corresponding criteria. Programs must always be prepared for unannounced, quality-assurance visits during their accredited term, which lasts for five years.

NAEYC Accreditation has been established for 30 years, and has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. As the Roundy Elementary Preschool Program joins more than 6,000 nationwide to receive accreditation, less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools and kindergartens achieve this recognition. For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, click here.