National Accreditation
Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. To become accredited, the Preschool voluntarily engaged in a comprehensive process of internal self-study and invited outside professional observers to verify compliance with the Association's criteria for early childhood programs of the highest quality. FUMC Preschool was found to meet or exceed all criteria regarding staffing, curriculum implementation, administration and health and safety standards.
What is a high quality early childhood program?
A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of young children.
In accredited programs, you should see:
• Frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children.
• Planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as reading stories, block building, painting, dress-up and active outdoor play.
• Specially trained teachers and administrators.
• Ongoing professional development.
• Enough adults to respond to individual children.
• Many varied age-appropriate materials.
• Respect for cultural diversity.
• A healthy and safe environment for adults and children.
• Inclusive environment.
• Nutritious meals and/or snacks.
• Regular, two-way communication with families who are welcome visitors at all times.
• Effective administration.
• Ongoing, systematic evaluation.
• Accreditation is valid for five years. During that period, programs should maintain compliance with accreditation standards, document program improvements, and provide notification about major changes.
For more information about the NAEYC or accreditation, visit their web site at:
www.naeyc.org or call (800)-424-2460.
In addition to accreditation by the NAEYC we are approved by the Fairfax County's Office for Children as a Child Care Center and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As a state licensed facility, biannual inspections by a state licensing inspector are conducted. Maters relating to health and safety are thoroughly reviewed and reports are posted for review.
As an accredited program, Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool takes a leadership role in the community by providing excellence in children's programs.