About Us

Our program is proud to have earned NAEYC Accreditation – the mark of quality for early childhood education programs. Our accreditation by NAEYC shows that our program meets the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and over 400 benchmarks. We and our Blake Center families have always believed we have an outstanding children’s center but it’s something special when an outside, independent group of childcare experts agree with us too. 

NAEYC Standards:

Children

Standards under this group focus on the advancement of children’s learning and development.

• Standard 1: Relationships
• Standard 2: Curriculum
• Standard 3: Teaching
• Standard 4: Assessment of Child Progress
• Standard 5: Health

Teachers

The focus for this standard is on the qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment of a program’s teaching staff.

• Standard 6: Teachers

Family and Community Partners

The two standards focus on relevant partnerships the program establishes with both families and the community.

• Standard 7: Families
• Standard 8: Community Relationships

Program Administration

The final two standards focus on the program’s physical environment and the leadership and management provided by the program administration.

• Standard 9: Physical Environment
• Standard 10: Leadership and Management 

NAEYC accreditation is good for 5 years. During this time, we are required to submit follow-up information to assure the NAEYC accreditation is still being met.  Did you know that years ago we were the first YMCA children’s center in NJ to receive accreditation?

Congratulations to all the staff on a job very well done!