A year-and-a-half process has paid off for the Pee Wee Patch Child Development Center in Lake Orion, as the center was recently awarded National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.
Pee Wee Patch Director Rhonda Meyers said earning accreditation status has been the center’s goals since opening their doors three years ago on Lapeer Road.
The center celebrated their third anniversary and the accreditation announcement with a hoedown-themed party on July 21.
‘Only four percent of programs in the United States are accredited,? Meyers said. ‘It’s a stamp of approval for parents.?
The NAEYC created its accreditation program in 1985 to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality child care and early education programs.
Programs are accredited by the NAEYC for a five-year period.
Meyers said there is no financial gain for the center, although the application process cost over $5,000.
‘It was very expensive to do,? she said. ‘You have to be open at least a year to apply.?
Meyers learned that Pee Wee Patch had received accreditation in June, after they began the application process last fall.
‘Our first validation visit was in March,? she said. ‘We started last September…you have to do self-study and observations, and fill out a packet for the administrative report, including program descriptions.?
Staff and parents were also surveyed, and Meyers said she received a letter from one parent letting her know Pee Wee Patch already had their stamp of approval.
‘It shows your quality to achieve accreditation,? Meyers said. ‘Some programs apply and don’t get accepted.
‘The process is as important as the end product,? she added.
The Pee Wee Patch Child Development Center is located at 1796 S. Lapeer Road in Lake Orion. They can be reached at 814-1010.