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Chair's Update

Currently there are 13 centers within the state that have either became reaccredited under the new accreditation process or are currently under the self-study or application process.  Upon reviewing these, Mary Bowne, the state accreditation chair, called Gwen Simmons at NAEYC to find out if we could contact these individuals in regards to the accreditation committee presence (mentors and assisting during times of need).  Gwen mentioned that this information cannot be given out to the committee directly due to confidentiality but that after talking it over with Kim Means, they felt the centers enrolled could be informed of our committee.   Mary gave them an overview of SDAEYC’s roles and purpose behind the accreditation committee which will be sent to the centers seeking accreditation/reaccreditation. 

Mary has also sent out letters to the state resource and referral agencies along with Right Choice for Kids brochures, published by NAEYC, asking the resource and referral agencies to give the brochures out and Mary’s contact information in case they are considering accreditation or have questions about the process.  Mary will be speaking at the next National conference call on the aspects of what she has done with this.

Mary asked the state committee if the self-study kits (the accreditation committee members currently have) could be “loaned” out to centers wishing to improve the quality of their center or needing more information about the accreditation criterion.    The committee agreed that this could be done considering Mary types of specific policies and procedures for this purpose.    Additionally, Mary asked if local affiliates could provide scholarships to support local centers seeking accreditation.  Again, the committee agreed but thought there should be a set of policies and procedures set up for this purpose.

Mary sent a proposal into the SDAEYC/SDHSA Conference based on a topic of Accreditation.  Based on her proposal, she will provide an example of a classroom and program portfolio for others to view as well as present on the process of accreditation and what the self-study kit looks like.   Time will be offered at the end for questions or concerns that need to be addressed at the state or national level.