The ARC Project Thrive program has received a new five-year accreditation stamp from NAEYC, the Academy for Early Childhood Program, based in Washington, D.C. The new term is valid until October 1, 2017.
A letter to from NAEYC informing Irma Alvarez, School Director, of this valuable extension of its accreditation program states: “The administration, teaching staff, and families of the ARC Project Thrive are all to be congratulated for continuing to uphold the mark of quality represented by the NAEYC Accreditation system.”
Criteria for this program include commendations for fostering relationships among all children and adults; a curriculum that promotes learning and development in areas such as social, emotional physical, language and cognitive ; a teaching program that enhances each child’s learning and development in the context of the programs curriculum goals; conducting an ongoing systematic, formal and informal assessment to provide information on children’s learning and development.
Other important criteria include recognizing the importance of a reciprocal relationship between families and programs as essential to ensure that programs are meeting the needs of the children and families that the program serves; maintaining reciprocal relationships with agencies and institutions that can support in achieving the goals for the curriculum as well as health support, children’s transitions, inclusion and diversity; promoting nutrition and health in both children and staff is another important goal; maintaining a teaching staff with the educational qualification, knowledge and professional commitments needed to promote the children’s learning and development and support families’ diverse needs and interests, and creating an environment both indoors and outdoors that fosters the growth and development of the children. For more information visit the NAEYC website at www.naevc.org/academy
The Arc of South Florida is a local chapter of The Arc USA one of the largest volunteer organizations in the U.S. Founded in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, The Arc, of South Florida serves the over 60,000 Miami-Dade County citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of South Florida’s two-fold purpose is to ensure the rights of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through ongoing advocacy, and to provide specialized programs and services to help individuals lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. The Arc of South Florida has programs in ten locations throughout Miami-Dade County, employs over one hundred seventy individuals, and serves hundreds of participants and their families on a daily basis. For more information visit our website www.arssofla.org
