Importance of Preschool Accreditation in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, FL

Posted by margauxchildhood on May 12th, 2022

Searching for an appropriate preschool can be a painstaking process, with many parents expressing disappointment after visiting the concerned schools one after the other. Sure, the condition of classrooms and procedures of teaching as well as caregiving is the essential point that need to be looked into. Still, many parents also ask for preschool accreditation in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, FL, alongside other qualities.

Well, such a request is not unprecedented, nor is it arbitrary. Almost all preschools that take care of their students and hope to continue the excellent work try for accreditation at some point or other. It is indeed disappointing to find a few schools remain ignorant about this requirement, whereas others state that they possess a license. Having neither accreditation nor license is not unheard of either.

Parents are advised to avoid such preschools and opt for ones that have been duly recognized and accredited. Why is it important? This is a question that often does the rounds and is best answered with facts. It is essential to understand that an accredited preschool provides the highest level of care for its students. The ambiance inside the classrooms is cheerful and relaxing. The procedure of Preschool accreditation is voluntary and is not required by the State / Federal Government.

The process of gauging the quality standards for each preschool is not the same for every organization either. Interestingly, the biggest organization that undertakes such procedures regularly is the “National Association for the Education of Young Children,” which goes by the acronym NAEYC. It evaluates each preschool based on ten different standards, namely:

•  Curriculum followed
•  Teaching methods used
•  Relationships between staff members and young students, including toddlers
•  Health standards adhered to
•  Checking students’ progress
•  Competence of the staff members along with preparation and working process of the instructors
•  Support provided to the students & their families
•  Forming relationships within the community
•  Quality of the physical environment
•  Leadership abilities of the staff and management
•  Post Evaluation

Assessing the quality of the preschool and finding its strength and weak points is certainly not the end of it. On the contrary, organizations like NAEYC offer recommendations to the management for improving their standards by following a well-devised plan. Sure, each preschool is advised about teaching techniques and caring for the students. Still, equal emphasis is placed on improving health standards and ensuring the safety & security of the students and staff at the same time.

Some of the other organizations that are popular for their accreditation programs include:

•  American Montessori Society (AMS)
•  Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE)
•  National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
•  Association of Christian Schools International

Being accredited helps parents find the best preschool in Coral Gables and South Miami, FL, without having to check each requirement individually. Being endorsed by NAEYC is proof enough!