For more information, contact
Alan Simpson at 202-328-2605
or asimpson@naeyc.org

Growth of NAEYC Accreditation Shows Demand for High-Quality Preschool and Child Care

WASHINGTON D. C., January 24, 2003 - In a clear sign of increasing demand for high-quality early education, the number of child care, preschool and other early childhood programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has grown by over 45 percent in the past five years.

The NAEYC accreditation system has expanded every year since its establishment in 1985, and today there are 8,154 accredited programs, serving nearly three-quarters of a million young children and their families. In 1997 there were 5,618 early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC, and in 1992 there were 2,340.

"The growth of NAEYC accreditation shows that families, employers, policymakers and others recognize the importance of high-quality early education, and the benefits that quality programs bring to young children," said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of NAEYC. "The increase in NAEYC-accredited programs also demonstrates the commitment of early childhood educators, who are improving programs around the country."

NAEYC established accreditation to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality early childhood programs. The voluntary accreditation system is designed for programs for children from birth through age eight, including child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs, kindergartens and after-school programs.

Programs seeking NAEYC accreditation are measured against national standards of quality that go well beyond state health and safety licensing requirements. The accreditation criteria address all aspects of an early childhood education program, including teacher qualifications and development, child-to-teacher ratios, curriculum, and health and safety. A program begins the accreditation process with an extensive self-study to determine how well it meets these criteria. After the program makes necessary improvements, it is observed by independent, professional validators, and then reviewed by a national panel. Early childhood programs that demonstrate substantial compliance with the NAEYC standards are accredited for a three-year period.

-more-

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, the organization now has more than 100,000 members, and a national network of nearly 450 local, state and regional affiliates. NAEYC and its affiliates work to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education, and to build public support for high-quality early childhood programs.

Growth of NAEYC-accredited early childhood education programs, 1992-2002:

Year	Number of Accredited Programs
1992	2,340
1993	2,986
1994	3,670
1995	4,500
1996	5,035
1997	5,618
1998	5,952
1999	6,943
2000	7,545
2001	7,927
2002	8,154

###