The Westminster College Preschool Lab was recently granted accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This prestigious recognition has been achieved by only seven percent of early childhood programs nationwide.

"We are delighted to be the first preschool in Lawrence County to receive this accreditation from the association, which is an indicator of a high quality program," said Dr. Mandy B. Medvin, Gibson-Drinko Distinguished Chair of Psychology. "We hope that our accomplishments here will encourage other preschool programs to follow."

NAEYC accreditation is a yearlong rigorous, voluntary process by which early childhood programs demonstrate they meet national standards of excellence. Child care centers, preschools, kindergartens, and before and after school programs are eligible to seek accreditation.

Westminster's Preschool underwent an intensive self-study, collecting information from parents, teachers, administrators, and classroom observations, in addition to an on-site visit from professionals specially trained by NAEYC.

Taking part in the self-study was Diana M. Reed, head preschool teacher, Debi S. Behr, preschool teacher, Jamie Freund, senior elementary education major from Clairton, Tara Severin, senior elementary education major from Gibsonia, and Amy Young, a 2001 graduate of Westminster College from Bridgeton, N.J.

"The heart of this accreditation focuses on the child's experience," said Barbara Willer, spokesperson for NAEYC. "The process considers the health and safety, staffing, staff qualifications and physical environment of the program, but the greatest emphasis is on the children's relationships with the staff, and how the program helps each child to grow and learn.

The Westminster College Preschool Lab is located in the Hoyt Science Resources Center, and serves 32 children ranging in age from three to five. The school is committed to providing an excellent learning experience for the area's children with innovative curriculum, well-trained staff, developmentally appropriate equipment, and individual attention.

For more information, contact the preschool at (724) 946-7174 or e-mail Medvin at medvinm@westminster.edu.