River Legacy Nature School Receives Prestigious NAEYC Acccreditation

Arlington, Texas — January 24, 2002

River Legacy Nature School, a preschool enrichment program offered at River Legacy Living Science Center, was recently granted re-accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This prestigious recognition has been achieved by only seven percent of early childhood programs nationwide. Nature School received its first NAEYC accreditation in 1998.

“The heart of NAEYC accreditation focuses on the child’s experience,” said Phyllis Snider, Executive Director. “The process carefully considers all aspects of program provision–including health and safety, staffing, staff qualifications, administration and physical environment. But the greatest emphasis is on the children’s relationships with the staff and how the program helps each child grow and learn––intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally.”

NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process by which early childhood programs demonstrate that they meet national standards of excellence. Programs seeking accreditation undergo a comprehensive process of internal self-study and receive an on-site visit by an external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs. When awarded, accreditation is valid for three years.

River Legacy’s Nature School program provides a balanced curriculum for 3, 4, and 5 year olds, which encourages a hands-on exploration of nature enhanced through music, art, literature, and dramatic play.

Enrollment for the 2002-2003 school year begins Monday, March 4. Classes, which meet once a week for 2 1/2 hours, run for 30 weeks from September through May. For more information about registration call (817) 860-2073.

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