NE State’s Early Childhood program receives reaccreditation

Northeast State’s Early Childhood Education program recently received reaccreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.

The commission awards accreditation to associate degree programs that meet professional preparation standards for early childhood educators. The process includes a self-study report and a site visit by a peer review team. Approval is awarded by a national panel of early childhood professionals.

“Accreditation ensures the quality of our program and that our graduates are well-prepared to become effective early childhood educators,” said Xiaoping Wang, dean of the College’s Behavioral and Social Sciences division. “Congratulations to Mitzi Neeley, program coordinator, and her faculty on this great accomplishment.”

To achieve approval, early childhood programs must demonstrate that they:

• Align to the commission’s Professional Preparation Standards;
• Respond to the unique needs of their degree candidates and communities;
• Provide intentional learning experiences for their degree candidates to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to be effective early childhood educators; and,
• Continuously assess and reflect on their degree candidates’ performance.

The commission currently accredits 198 programs in 40 states across the country.

For more information about Northeast State’s Early Childhood Education program, contact Mitzi Neeley, coordinator of Early Childhood Education at 423.354.2550 or mineeley@NortheastState.edu.