Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-10-2021 11:40 PM
    Our public preschool is NAEYC accredited.  An administrator asked me about NAEYC accredited kindergartens.  Is there any difference between the accreditation process for PK and K?  Can anyone tell me how an accredited kindergarten is run?  I'm guessing workbook curriculum programs are frowned upon!  I would LOVE to get our kindergartens to follow DAP instead of workbooks!

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    Jennie Morrell
    Preschool Teacher
    Andover Elementary School
    Andover CT
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  • 2.  RE: NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-14-2021 09:01 AM
    Hello Jennie,
    This would be a great opportunity to consult NAEYC's Developmentally Appropriate Practice book. There is so much great information on what current research tells us about how kindergarteners grow and learn. If you can borrow someone's copy for the time-being, the DAP book is being updated and will soon have a new version released!
    Here is a small snippet addressing DAP in Kindergarten from NAEYC's website:
    https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/dap-kindergartners

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    Deanna Jackson
    Senior Assessor, NAEYC
    Upper Arlington, Ohio
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  • 3.  RE: NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-14-2021 11:21 PM
    Thank you Deanna - I will look into this NAEYC book.

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    Jennie Morrell
    Preschool Teacher
    Andover Elementary School
    Andover CT
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  • 4.  RE: NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-14-2021 10:02 AM
    Hello Jennie!

    Kindergarten programs can become accredited using the same system we have in place for all programs. The process includes assessment items just for kindergarten programs and can be found in our Classroom Assessment Tool. All kindergarten assessment items will have the letter K included next to the assessment item number. 

    I hope this information was helpful!

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    Shantiea Dean
    Director, Quality Improvement and Program Support
    National Association For The Education of Young Children
    Washington, DC
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  • 5.  RE: NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-14-2021 11:23 PM
    Very helpful - thank you Shantiea!

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    Jennie Morrell
    Preschool Teacher
    Andover Elementary School
    Andover CT
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  • 6.  RE: NAEYC Kindergartens

    Posted 09-16-2021 07:32 AM
    Hi Jennie,
    I am an Accreditation Facilitator that covers your region in CT, happy to answer some questions for you! I'll send you a private message with my email address.

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    Jean Barresi
    Jean D Barresi
    Portland CT
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