The Community Children’s Center in Lehigh Acres, one of six Child Care of Southwest Florida centers in Lee and Hendry counties, has been reaccredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. Reaccreditation documents that the center continues to provide high-quality services in six areas: family engagement, health and safety, curriculum, interactions between teachers and children, classroom environments and administrative standards. Children’s Garden of LaBelle, another Child Care of Southwest Florida center, also was reaccredited.
“Reaccreditation measures and validates the work we do with our children every day,” said Center Director Megan Greeley-Gibson, who has been at the center for nearly a decade. “It is great to be recognized for our efforts to provide exceptional early education and great care for our students.”
The Community Children’s Center cares for as many as 168 children from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 1260 Wings Way in Lehigh. Parents who are exploring child care options are invited to visit any time. For information, call the center at239-369-2220, or visit www.ccswfl.org.
NAC accreditation improves programs for children, promotes staff professionalism and provides parents with a way to identify programs that exceed minimum standards. Reaccreditation is for a three-year period; during that time, centers must submit annual reports, and the commission can make announced visits to evaluate programs.
Child Care of Southwest Florida’s mission is to strengthen and enhance the lives of children and their families. The staff is dedicated to the premise that kindergarten is too late, based on research that shows that high-quality early childhood education reduces dropout rates, teen pregnancy and arrests. A United Way agency established in 1967, Child Care of Southwest Florida provides scholarships for low-income children through ongoing fundraising efforts.