Over the past 30 years, NAEYC accreditation has signified quality education. Fewer than 10 percent of all childcare centers nationwide achieve accreditation, which requires a rigorous multi-year assessment involving teachers, administrators, and enrolled families.
This fall, The Gardner School is delighted to announce that three additional Gardner School locations have received NAEYC accreditation. The Gardner School of Schaumburg, The Gardner School of Edina, and The Gardner School of Lincolnshire all received news of their accreditation after an intensive self-study process that involved a curriculum review, site visits, and multiple interviews with leadership and staff.
“Our teachers and administrators are committed to helping every student build a solid foundation for their future education,” said TGS Edina Director Caron Ihde. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve families in Edina and to be recognized for our commitment to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students.”
The Gardner School now has 13 locations that are accredited by NAEYC. This puts The Gardner School at the forefront of providing the best educational experiences for children under the age of six. Accredited schools must meet stringent standards for certification, along with meeting all the corresponding criteria for high-quality education. Qualifying schools must also demonstrate that they provide a safe and healthy environment for children, well-trained teachers, and a research-based curriculum that addresses all aspects of child development.
“As an accredited school, we’re demonstrating our commitment to exceptional education and childcare,” said Sarah Smith, executive director of The Gardner School of Lincolnshire. “I’m grateful for our dedicated teachers and for every opportunity to earn the trust and confidence of families in our community.”
Candidates for accreditation must prepare teaching portfolios that showcase intentional lesson planning, careful curriculum planning, and even the classrooms’ physical design. At the same time, school leadership must put together a collection of documents that explains everything from the school’s educational philosophy to detailed rationales for every policy and procedure. Compiling this evidence takes time and intentionality to ensure every facet of the school operates at the highest level of excellence.
“Our school strives to provide a positive and supportive environment to help each child reach their first milestones and make those first steps towards learning. We strive to be the positive role models that help each child begin their educational journey in the best way possible,” said Director Laura Sugrue of The Gardner School of Schaumburg. You can explore our teaching philosophy or schedule a tour at a location near you to discover what makes The Gardner School one of the premier childcare centers and preschools.