Accreditation helps make child development centers successful Published Dec. 17, 2015 By Kimberly Gaither 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Wright-Patterson child development centers are reaccredited every five years through the National Association for the Education of Young Children for Early Childhood and Youth Accreditation to maintain their high quality of childcare. NAEYC sets high standards for all centers to strive toward and maintain, focusing on best practices that promote children, families, and teachers. "When parents look for a place to leave their children, they want a center with staff they can trust to keep their children safe and to educate them too," said Vivian Gadson, the director over all four of the child development centers at Wright-Patterson. "While each of the centers follow and are monitored internally by Department of Defense and Air Force standards, the NAEYC is the external standard," said Vivian Gadson, child development director. During accreditation, NAEYC assessors collect data based on documentary and observational evidence in each classroom and staff area. They measure the quality of service at which teachers and staff perform. After all criteria have been analyzed, the NAEYC assessor will determine if the program will earn its accreditation. Assessors use a grading scale to rate classrooms, teachers and staff. Although the grading scale spans from 0 to100, an 80 and above is passing for NAEYC standards. "Our goal is to make sure that while parents are away at work, we put them at ease and provide excellent care for their children so they can contribute to their mission and not have to worry about what is happening with their children's safety, health and food," said Gadson. The Child Development programs at Wright-Patterson are also subject to unannounced inspections, as well as local inspections. "All of our centers have implemented a monitoring system throughout the day," said Gadson. Wright Field South CDC was reaccredited in August, successfully receiving its credentials for executing the high standards set by NAEYC. Gadson noted the center attained scores of 95 and above. Other accredited Wright-Patterson CDCs include Wright Field North, New Horizons and Wright Care. "The goal in the end is to provide quality care for children around the clock while they are being observed and watched," stated Gadson.