RLC Foundation Children’s Center receives five-year NAEYC Accreditation

INA, Ill. (Oct. 3, 2017) - Children enrolled at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) will continue to learn and play for the next five years on the Ina campus, thanks to consistently high standards met by their teachers and staff.

Last week, the RLCFCC received official word from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of their successful completion of the accreditation process for early learning programs. The accreditation is valid through October 1, 2022.

RLCFCC Director Brooke May said the center has maintained NAEYC accreditation since 2003 by upholding high standards and criteria, which specifically includes extra effort to sustain classroom and program portfolios.

“NAEYC accreditation is the means to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children. We work non-stop every day to ensure that we adhere to their standards,” said May. “Our staff works hard at connecting best early childhood practice, policy, and developmentally-appropriate programming in our center. We are extremely happy with the results of our site visit findings and being awarded another five years of NAEYC accreditation.”

One-year-old Olivia Gonzalez of Valier plays on a slide in the recently-opened Skill Development Room at the RLC Foundation Children's Center. Gonzalez is one of many children who benefit from the RLCFCC's NAEYC accreditation. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

To achieve accreditation, the RLCFCC had to meet a number of program and classroom criteria, which include areas such as relationships, teaching, assessment of child progress, teachers, families, community relations, and many others.

In three areas - assessment of child progress, families, and community relations - the RLCFCC scored 100 percent plus, proving they go above and beyond expectations. May said those areas are extremely important and continue to be the focus for the teachers and staff.

“We serve the children and families in our program by being dedicated to upholding high quality standards, as well as striving to be an exemplary model of what quality early childhood education looks like,” said May. “Plus, we feel that involving the community and families in our center is an integral part to creating a true partnership and being successful in being seen as a member of our local society.”

NAEYC also commended the RLCFCC for their exemplary teaching staff. May said the teachers and staff work tirelessly to stay current on educational trends and practices to provide the best of the best for the children enrolled.

“Our teachers constantly strive to learn and follow best practices in Early Childhood Education, as well as seek out additional resources to enhance our educational program,” said May. “Our teachers work as a team to make sure our center provides the highest quality child care for the families in our community.”

The RLCFCC will soon be enrolling students for the Spring 2018 semester. Enrollment for all classrooms opens Wednesday, Nov. 1. To learn more about the RLCFCC, contact Director Brooke May at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1393 or mayb@rlc.edu.

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