Child development centers strive to meet revised national accreditation standards

From left, Estrella Ward, a student teacher from the University of Southern Mississippi, plays with dough with Gabrielle Burkett, 2, and Phoenix Crismon, 3. Gabrielle’s mom is Tech Sgt. Christina Burkett, 336th Training Squadron. Phoenix is the daughter of Staff Sgt. Timothy Crismon, 338th TRS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler CDC on track for NAEYC accreditation

Published Oct. 1, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler submitted its candidacy package for National Association for the Education of Young Children this week, said child development center director Roveta Simmons.

"We've always maintained NAEYC accreditation, but all the criteria are different this time around," she explained.

Cherrie Tiggeman, Keesler's chief of airman and family services, said the CDC expects the onsite validation visit in one to six months.

"Our center has been diligently working toward completing all of the 400 criterion," Ms. Tiggeman said. "We're excited about the outstanding job our caregiving staff does on a daily basis.

"The caregivers and management have increased their knowledge of developmentally-appropriate classroom activities, and the children are enjoying the outstanding activities that are a part of their daily lives at the center," she continued. "We encourage the base population to stop by for a tour to see our caring and learning environment."