May 3, 2002

Whelan Children's Center receives accreditation

The Whelan Children's Center was granted accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The center serves 62 children ranging in age from four months to five years. It is one of only seven percent of early childhood programs in the nation to receive this recognition.

NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process by which early childhood programs demonstrate that they meet national standards of excellence. The process considers all aspects of a program including health and safety, staffing, staff qualifications, and physical environment. The greatest emphasis is on the children's relationship with the staff and how the program helps each child grow and learn intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Programs seeking accreditation undergo an intensive self-study and on-site visit by early childhood professionals. Once awarded, accreditation is valid for three years.

Whelan Children's Center will now proudly display the NAEYC torch, the symbol of NAEYC accreditation, as evidence of its commitment to excellence for young children and families. The on-campus childcare program services children of Loyola faculty, staff, students, and alumni.