The Gardner School is celebrating! Why? Because five of our preschools were recently awarded accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our preschools in Blue Ash, OH, West Loop, IL, Oak Brook, IL, Glenview-Northbrook, IL, and Brentwood, TN all received full accreditation, a two-year process that requires exceptional scores in curriculum excellence, teacher quality, school safety, and more. Currently, The Gardner School has 10 preschools with this recognition and more in the process of applying.
“So many of our schools receiving NAEYC accreditation confirms what I’ve known for years: we offer children so many wonderful learning opportunities here,” said TGS Blue Ash Director, Erica Sager. Director of TGS Glenview-Northbrook, Allison Deutsch, added, “We are incredibly grateful for all of our dedicated teachers for their commitment to excellence in education.”
During the accreditation process, schools submit extensive documentation of the curriculum and provide evidence of student-centered instruction, strong interpersonal relationships, social-emotional learning, a safe school environment, academic assessments, and professional development, among other requirements.
“The standards of NAEYC are rigorous. We aim to meet these standards every day and purposefully build our curriculum around them. I am confident that TGS will continue to pass with flying colors,” said Rochelle Koznick, Regional Vice President. “Our teachers and staff provide an exceptional environment for children.”
Once a school has applied for NAEYC accreditation the application is reviewed, and NAEYC schedules an on-site visit to observe the preschool. After a thorough assessment, NAEYC awards accreditation to qualifying schools. Programs are accredited for five years, and schools must provide continuing evidence of meeting educational standards to remain accredited.
“Less than 10% of schools receive NAEYC accreditation, so it really showcases why The Gardner School is a great place for children to learn,” explained TGS Oak Brook Director, Brittany Foley.
“Accreditation by the NAEYC is a true honor in the field of early childhood education,” says Kanika Nair, Assistant Director at TGS Brentwood. “Our teachers are so proud of this accomplishment and what it means for how well they care for and teach our students.”
This puts The Gardner School at the forefront of providing the best educational experiences for children under the age of six. Almost half of all Gardner School locations are accredited, and all eligible TGS schools are in the process of receiving accreditation.
“NAEYC accreditation requires our schools to meet or exceed the most rigorous standards in our industry. I’m so proud that TGS West Loop achieved this level of excellence,” said TGS Director Ann Sanello.