Tobyhanna Children's Programs Earn National Acclaim
(December 31, 2010) |
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| | TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. (Army News Service, Dec. 28, 2010)
- Tobyhanna's Child, Youth and School Services organization
offers some of the best programming in the nation, according
to the National Association for the Education of Young
Children. |
The Family Services Division early childhood
programs here were awarded NAEYC Accreditation
based on the results of an extensive year-long
self-study process that measured programs and
services against the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood
Program Standards and more than 400 related
accreditation criteria.
Staff and Family members spent the year
evaluating programs, offering suggestions for
improvement and developing action plans.
"Achieving this level of care is a mark of
quality," said Jennifer Williams, CYSS program
director. "This shows our families that we are
committed to providing the best care possible."
The accreditation is awarded every five years.
During that period, FSD officials submit annual
reports documenting |
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Becky Guerrini, child and youth program assistant, helps children in the preschool room decorate a box for Show and Share. Photo by Tony Medici |
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compliance with the NAEYC standards. All
NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to
unannounced visits by program assessors. |
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"The self-study process is a team effort that involves the
Families and staff," Williams said. "You ask everyone to
evaluate your programs to see if they're meeting the needs
of the children.
Feedback from the parents indicated that most felt the
center was doing a good job, according to Williams. She
noted 82 percent of the parents participated in the
accreditation process.
"A parent's involvement in these types of assessments is
vital to the success of our program," Williams said. "Their
feedback helps us grow through continuous improvement
processes."
Tobyhanna's programs earned several commendations from the
NAEYC Academy. Officials noted the use of developmentally,
culturally and linguistically appropriate and effective
teaching approaches.
Staff members were praised for promoting the nutrition and
health of children and protecting children and staff from
illness and injury. In addition, CDC professionals here were
lauded for administering a program efficiently and
effectively, ensuring that all involved persons, staff,
children and Families are included.
The CDC employs more than 50 people who fill several roles
from classroom teacher to management and support staff.
"Our staff works really hard to document and maintain the
standards set forth by the NAEYC Academy," Williams said.
"They do a remarkable job. Without them none of this would
have been possible."
Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Defense Department's largest
center for the repair, overhaul and fabrication of a wide
variety of electronics systems and components, from tactical
field radios to the ground terminals for the defense
satellite communications network. depot's 5,600 employees
supports all branches of the Armed Forces. |
By Jacqueline Boucher
Tobyhanna Army Depot Public Affairs
Copyright 2010 | |
Reprinted from
Army News Service
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