SUNSHINE ACADEMY EARNS NAEYC ACCREDITATION
Program Among First in Nation to Complete More Rigorous Accreditation Process

Brookline, June 27, 2008 – Sunshine Academy, located at 164 Harvard Street in Brookline, is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. “We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Tarlise Conner, Director.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.”

Sunshine Academy serves families of children from infants to pre-kindergarten in a year-round early childhood program.  Founded in 2006 by Ann and Andrew Haber, it is one of the newest programs in Brookline.  “From the start, we aimed to set the highest standard,” said Ann Haber. “When we built the school, we incorporated many features you can achieve only in new construction, such as an underground drop-off and pick-up area with direct elevator access to the school, child-friendly classrooms specifically designed to accommodate particular age groups, our own private outdoor space, and state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, electrical and security systems.  We hire only fully licensed and certified teachers and provide them with rigorous on-going training.  We work with teachers to plan and implement a curriculum that meets our high standards as well as those of the Massachusetts Board of Education and NAEYC.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation under the new rules, Sunshine Academy went through an extensive self-study process that assessed the program and its services against ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years. “The new NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar,” said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executive director of NAEYC. “Sunshine Academy’s NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start.”

The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985. As of September 2006, the Association’s revised program standards and criteria have introduced a new level of quality, accountability, and service. The new standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development.  For more information, see www.naeyc.org.