Press Release

Westminster Cooperative Preschool Accredited by NAEYC

Springfield, August 12, 2005 - Westminster Cooperative Preschool has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. "We're proud to be accredited by NAEYC and recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Beth Waldman, Director and Teacher. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences."

Westminster offers a program for three year olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for four year olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, and a Pre-K program for four and five year olds on Monday through Thursday afternoons. Their morning programs are unique in that the parents assist in the classroom once a month. In the afternoon program, the parents assist only as needed or as they desire. Parent involvement allows them to get to know the teacher and the other students well and they see the benefit first hand of being involved in their child's education.

To earn the accreditation, Westminster conducted a self-study to determine how well it was meeting NAEYC's professional standards. After making the necessary improvements, they were observed by an independent, professional validator and reviewed by a national panel. Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five year period.

For more information about Westminster's Preschool program,

contact Beth Waldman at 522-4415.