Marillac St. Vincent Receives NAEYC Reaccreditation at St. Vincent DePaul Center
Connecting Communities | March 2022
St. Vincent DePaul Center successfully completed the process to renew its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC is the world’s largest organization advocating for high-quality early childhood education.
We congratulate everyone who was involved in the NAEYC reaccreditation process at St. Vincent DePaul Center. The preparation process and on-site visit was complex due to COVID-19, but all our departments came together to put new standards in place enhancing what is provided in classrooms for families and children.
All institutions accredited through NAEYC are continuously monitored for compliance. Programs maintain NAEYC accredited status for five years and then must undergo a rigorous evaluation process to renew their accreditation. We are honored to receive our reaccreditation for the St. Vincent DePaul center. A standard for excellence, which has a tremendous effect on our efforts to promote quality learning for children, families and staff, the NAEYC accreditation is based in the best, current educational research. This outcome further confirms that MSV’s program are “safe, well-prepared, and intentional about ensuring children’s success.”
The accreditation aligns with our mission “To strengthen, empower, and give voice to those in need – in the Vincentian Spirit of Service – through education and comprehensive programs to build vibrant communities in Chicago.”
NAEYC finds that “accredited centers provide a solid foundation for all children’s success, including increased educational attainment, healthier lifestyles and more successful careers … families take comfort knowing that NAEYC recognized centers are providing their young children with a safe, supportive and creative learning environment”. Learn more about the benefits for being an NAEYC accredited organization.
Process Summary
The reaccreditation process is complex, and the added complication of COVID-19 meant that our staff took on added responsibilities while maintaining flexibility and creativity in our tasks. To secure and maintain this accreditation, NAEYC looks at ten broad program standards of childhood education and evaluates where centers fit across the areas below.
We scored a pass rate of over 95% on average for the St. Vincent DePaul Center.
1. Relationships – Positive interactions with other children and adults.
2. Curriculum Design – Social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development.
3. Teaching Methods – Developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches.
4. Assessment of Child Progress – Formal and informal assessment of the child’s progress.
5. Health – Nutrition and safety from illnesses and injury.
6. Teacher Qualifications – Education, credentials and professional commitment.
7. Family Engagement – Communicative and collaborative relationship with parents/caregivers.
8. Community Relationships – Connect families with resources.
9. Physical Environment – Healthful and safe indoor and outdoor play areas.
10. Leadership & Management – Implements effective policies, procedures and systems.
Congratulations to all the teachers and staff at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services for their hard work in preparing for the accreditation process, as well as their continued dedication and commitment to our children and their education. This is a testament to the quality of services our Early Childhood Programs provides daily. Our teachers are truly society’s heroes!
“If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are truly society’s heroes.” – Guy Kawasaki
Learn more here about the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
For more inquiries about this NAEYC at MSV, please reach out to Tracey Young, the Director of Early Childhood Programs, or Monte Nix-Hodges, the Saint Vincent DePaul Center Site Director.