Early childhood education program earns NAEYC accreditation
PASADENA, Texas –San Jacinto College has once again earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the leading organization for early childhood education. This achievement marks the second time San Jacinto College’s Early Childhood Education program has been reaccredited, highlighting the College’s commitment to excellence.
NAEYC accreditation is pivotal as it emphasizes the program’s quality and dedication to excellence. Additionally, it enhances credentials and employability in the field of early childhood education for students. The NAEYC accreditation is the highest benchmark of excellence for early childhood education programs.
“Accreditation is important to our college, our faculty, and most importantly our students,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Berry, department chair, child development, education, and psychology.
The process of maintaining accreditation, spans approximately two years involving comprehensive self-assessment, continuous enhancements, and extensive final reviews by NAEYC assessors.
The reaccreditation process involved department chairs and faculty from San Jacinto College’s Central and North Campuses, including Berry, professors Diana Rosaly, Stasi Stewart, Caresal Bolds, Rachel Bernal, and Dr. Judith Maima-Skeele. Their combined efforts ensured that students received consistent key assessments across campuses.
“This accreditation reflects our early childhood education program’s commitment to providing outstanding educational experiences and fostering a nurturing environment for young learners,” said Berry, Rosaly, and Stewart. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to our program’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in early childhood education.”
San Jacinto College’s Early Childhood Education program incorporates the latest research and best practices. It emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of child development, preparing students to become leaders in early childhood education. The program focuses on preparing students to work with young children between the ages of 0 and 8, with many classes offering lab hours at the on-campus Lab School, which is also NAEYC accredited.
Because of this accreditation, San Jacinto College’s Early Childhood Educationb program
serves as a leader in the region. Program classes often fill quickly, demonstrating
the high demand for quality early childhood education.
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in
the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream
Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, serving approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students
annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas
of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter
the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard
& Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
