The Centro Mater Foundation—a South Florida based institution that aims to support the missions of Centro Mater Child Care Services, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides quality care and education for economically disadvantaged youths—today announced that all five of its Miami-Dade facilities have now received accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
The pride-worthy declaration came after the administration of Centro Mater Child Care Center was notified that the Little Havana facility— the only one not yet accredited— had been awarded for having met the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards.
Centro Mater’s five sites have also received the highest rating— 5 STARS—with Quality Count, Miami-Dade County’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs.
“It is nothing short of an astounding achievement for Centro Mater to declare that our five centers have now all earned this prestigious mark of quality,” said Centro Mater Foundation President Claudia de la Cruz. “Such an achievement can only be attributed to those who keep our mission thriving—our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters.”
Reflective of an on-site analysis, the accreditation report included favorable notes for the center regarding interaction with children, curriculum, health, family and community relationships, leadership, and environment, among others. Should the child care facility maintain compliance with NAEYC standards and criteria, the accreditation will remain effective through 2017.
For more information on Centro Mater’s programs and offerings, or to learn how to get involved with the organization, call 305.545.6049 or visit www.CentroMater.com.
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About the Centro Mater Foundation
The Centro Mater Foundation is a South Florida based institution that aims to support the efforts and missions of Centro Mater Child Care Services Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization—celebrating its 45th Anniversary in 2013—focused on aiding economically disadvantaged families by providing childcare, education and nutrition services, as well as afterschool and summer programs, in an effort to help youths prosper and their parents and/or guardians become financially independent. Since 2007, Centro Mater Child Care Services has been managed and greatly supported by Catholic Health Services (CHS) within the Archdiocese of Miami. The Centro Mater Foundation helps to provide for the child care organization’s summer programs, which endeavor to keep at-risk youths focused and progressive during months of reduced stimulation, and supports the maintenance of all centers. Centro Mater’s mission is “to provide quality services to disadvantaged children by offering developmentally appropriate experiences conducive to enhancing the child’s potential while empowering and strengthening the families.” Centro Mater serves children and families of every race, faith and nationality—nearly 1,200 annually through five facilities within Miami-Dade County. For additional information on Centro Mater, please visit our website at www.CentroMater.com.
About Centro Mater Child Care Services, Inc.
Centro Mater Child Care Services Inc. is a 45-year-old, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that strives to aid economically disadvantaged families by providing childcare and education services. Centro Mater was founded in 1968 by Mother Margarita Miranda Otero, who recognized a desperate need for childcare services among newly exiled Cuban families in Miami. The organization’s unwavering mission is, “to provide quality services to disadvantaged children by offering developmentally appropriate experiences conducive to enhancing the child’s potential while empowering and strengthening the families.” With five accredited centers in Miami-Dade County, Centro Mater caters to children 6 weeks to 12 years of age in its effort to help youths prosper and their parents and/or guardians become financially independent. Centro Mater serves children and families of every race, faith and nationality—nearly 1,200 annually. For additional information on Centro Mater, please visit our website at www.CentroMater.com.
By Danielle Alvarez
