Siegel JCC Early Childhood Center Recognized Among Top Centers in the Country

In September 2024, the Siegel JCC’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) received re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs has set the standard for excellence for the early childhood field. The ECC has maintained its accreditation for over 25 years, going through the re-accreditation process every five years, and remains among just 10% of centers accredited across the country. The accreditation system provides a mechanism for early learning programs to demonstrate their commitment to high quality early childhood education. The four-step process, which is most rigorous in the year leading up to accreditation, includes a self-study, self-assessment, site visit, and maintenance. According to NAEYC, “Research shows a direct correlation between high-quality early learning and children’s positive long term outcomes in life, including increased educational attainment, healthier lifestyles, and more successful careers. NAEYC Accreditation helps teachers and other staff at early learning programs develop a shared understanding and commitment to quality. The accreditation process leads to increased staff morale, greater staff retention, and a more positive, energetic work atmosphere overall—enabling centers to provide a solid foundation for all children’s success in life.”

During the site visit, the timing of which is unannounced to centers, the ECC scored exceptionally high in the observed interactions between staff and children and families. In a survey of families conducted as a requirement of accreditation, families reported that both the leadership team and teachers are engaged and great partners in raising their children. The Siegel JCC is proud to continue its strong tradition of providing outstanding early childhood education to the community. “We know families are entrusting us with their most precious possessions—their children—and we take this responsibility very seriously. Our goal is to create the most welcoming, professional, and engaging environment for families, children, and staff. NAEYC Accreditation is the ‘gold standard’ for excellence, and we are thrilled that our efforts have been NOVEMBER 2024 | JEWISH LIVING DELAWARE | 22 ShalomDelaware.org recognized through the re-accreditation process,” shares Mona Duwell, Siegel JCC Chief Operating Officer.

About the Early Childhood Center: The Siegel JCC’s Early Childhood Center is a year-round preschool for children ages six weeks through Pre-Kindergarten. At the ECC, children grow and thrive in an engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment. From our warm, friendly, and accepting teachers and staff, the children will gradually learn and develop the emotional and social skills needed to interact with their peers and others. With specific units discussed in the classroom—such as self, family, seasonal changes, friendship, animals, colors, community helpers, and Jewish holidays—the children will learn new things about themselves and their world, develop their natural curiosity, and build a thirst for knowledge that will last a lifetime. Today, the ECC has 14 classrooms, 42 staff, and 180 children. Beth Ann Short serves as Director of Administration and Erin Strickland is the Director of Programming. For more information, visit siegeljcc.org.

About NAEYC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age eight, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. NAEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association comprises nearly 60,000 individual members of the early childhood community and more than 50 Affiliates, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. For more information about NAEYC, visit naeyc.org.