Press Release

Media Contact: John Bourget
phone: 860.231.6350
email: jbourget@mandelljcc.org

BEATRICE FOX AUERBACH EARLY CHILD CENTER AT THE MANDELL JCC
RECEIVES HIGHEST LEVEL OF ACCREDITATION

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WEST HARTFORD, Conn., June 6, 2008- The Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center at the Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford has earned re-accreditation in the new system of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nations leading organization of early childhood professionals. NAEYC-accredited programs are subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.

The Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center at the Mandell JCC went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten NAEYC program

"Were proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Co-Directors Rhonda Wirth and Pam Powell. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."

The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985. As of September 2006, the Associations 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. NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible.

The Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center serves children, from ages four months to 5 years old. Enrollment is open to families of all faiths.

In the 20 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 11,000 programs, serving one million young children, are currently accredited by NAEYC - approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs. "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. "The Mandell JCCs NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start."

About the MANDELL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER The Mandell JCC is a community and cultural center that offers a full range of activities, classes and special events for people of all beliefs, ages and stages. The JCCs offerings include early child centers and after school programs, a summer camp, recreation and wellness facilities, health spas, an indoor pool, a swim and tennis club, an arts center and more. The JCC has a rich history which dates back more than 90 years and has continued to expand and evolve into its current role as a significant community and family resource for the Greater Hartford area. The JCC also has preschools in Simsbury and Glastonbury.