Early Childhood Center Renews Accreditation

Members of the Most Precious Blood Early Childhood Center staff who were instrumental in earning reaccreditation for the center are: seated (l. to r.): Maruxa Gonzalez, Joan Florio, Eva Perez and Center Director Donna Flynn; standing (l. to r.): Jay Johnson, Penny Paolino, Theresa Nguyen, Ann Gibbs, Kristina Jovic and Eva Markovic. The Most Precious Blood Early Childhood Center, the only school in the diocese accredited in the area of early childhood, had its accreditation renewed on July 30. Reaccreditation by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Programs is valid for five years. "The staff has worked hard and implemented many positive changes at the school over the past year," Center Director Donna Flynn said. "Some of the improvements made include installation of a new playground surface, and updated assessment policy, more nu-

tritious snack menus, inclusion of book caddies, pencil

and paper in all of the major play centers and increased involvement in community events." The Most Precious Blood Early Childhood Center offers "Mommy and Me" for children one and a half to three years old, half and full-day Nursery programs for three-year-olds and Universal Pre-Kindergarten, a free program for four-year-olds.

Staff at the Most Precious Blood Early Childhood Center met requirements for reaccreditation in 10 areas:

• Establishing positive relationships between teachers and children

• Implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum

• Use of effective teaching approaches

• Providing ongoing assessments of children

• Promoting good nutrition and health for children and teachers

• Employing of qualified teaching staff

• Maintaining collaborative relationships with families

• Using resources within the community

• Providing a safe and healthy physical environment

• Implementing strong program management.

These standards are based on the latest research on the education and development of young children.

In an effort to improve the early childhood programs at all its schools, the diocese is currently revamping its curriculum and will shortly share the changes with principals. The new curriculum will be presented at the National Catholic Teachers convention in Anaheim, California in spring 2009.

For more information, call the Most Precious Blood Early Childhood Center at 718-278-4081.