CDC receives reaccreditation, two providers earn credentials Published March 27, 2013 By Sarah Olaciregui 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Officials at Hanscom's Child Development Center were recently notified that the center was reaccredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation. Additionally, providers Lindsay Britt and Kristen Sullivan completed their Child Development Associate credentials. According to the NAEYC, early childhood programs accredited by the academy have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study and improvement. "Each NAEYC-accredited program must meet all 10 of the NAEYC early childhood program standards," stated an NAEYC brochure. "NAEYC accreditation is the mark of quality for our accredited programs." The reaccreditation process takes approximately two years to complete, according to Courtney Cann, Family Child Care coordinator. "This is a huge deal," she said, "not only for the teachers and staff, but also for families and the community as whole." Cann echoed the comments on the NAEYC brochure, which states that, among many things, all accredited programs must establish and maintain collaborative relationships with each child's family and establish relationships with and use the resources of the community to support achievement of program goals. "It's really a team effort," said Cann. The Family Services Flight also received good news when Britt and Sullivan received their CDA credentials. The credentials, which recognize outstanding work with young children, were awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., which represents the early childhood education profession. According to Kristen Melvin, Training and Curriculum specialist, these two women are to be applauded for their efforts. "Lindsay and Kristen worked diligently throughout the entire process," she said. "Their dedication to professional development is a great accomplishment." Britt received a scholarship from the Air Force to complete her credentials. She has worked in the CDC for three years and currently serves as one of the preschool teachers. Sullivan has been with the CDC for more than five years and works as one of the infant teachers. "Parents who use early education and care are especially concerned today about their children's welfare," stated a Council for Professional Recognition news release. "With this in mind, as part of the CDA assessment process, every candidate for the CDA credential is observed working with young children or families by an early childhood professional. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to work with families to develop children's physical and intellectual capabilities in a safe and healthy learning environment." For further information about NAEYC accreditation, visit www.rightchoiceforkids.com. For information on the CDA credential, visit www.cdacouncil.org/the-cda-credential.