NEWS
SEPT. 3, 2019 LOUISVILLECARDINAL.COM
Early Learning Campus receives re-accreditation MATTHEW KECK
@THELOUISVILLECARDINAL
The University of Louisville’s Early Learning Campus (ELC) announced its re-accreditation on Aug. 26 and it will remain accredited for another five years. “Our ELC team spent more than a year in preparation and compiled documentation to address each criterion within 10 standards,” said Director of ELC Jill Jacobi-Vessels. “While it was a challenging undertaking, the process proved to be affirming and motivating for us as our final scores were 99% -100% in all areas.” The National Association for the Education of Young Children accredits programs that meet the criteria in teaching, relationship-building, curriculum, health, safety and other areas. U of L’s ELC program scored in the top of each category in NAEYC’s accreditation process. The accreditation process consists of third-party agencies rigorously reviewing programs to ensure their compliance with the set standards. “The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions and/or pro-
grams of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality,” says the U.S. Department of Higher Education website. For a program to be accredited for a five-year term they must meet: -70 percent of assessment items for each standard. -100 percent of required assessment items. -70 percent of assessment items for classes selected. After receiving accreditation pro-
grams must submit annual reports with fees, adhere to policies and report all major changes and incidents to NAEYC. The ELC program at U of L hosts frequent visits for area centers and schools to find ways to improve their own programs. The program provides child development for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Faculty, staff, students and residents of the Family Scholar House and Old Louisville are all able to use the ELC’s
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services. “As a NAEYC accredited center, we maintain smaller group sizes and staffto-child ratios than are allowable by state regulations,” said Jacobi-Vessels. “We engage children in play-based learning by creating intentional environments, leveraging their own interests, and building positive and caring relationships.” Pricing varies depending on the enrolled children’s age. Weekly rates range from $190 to $240 depending upon the enrolled child’s age. There are currently 150 children enrolled in the program. The ELC program doubles as a classroom for early childhood education students. Credits earned in the program are transferable. “Our curriculum, which is based on the Reggio-Emilia philosophy, is geared toward sharing beauty, wonder and curiosity to help children build a life-long love of learning,” said JacobiVessels. This approach allows children to interact and explore ideas and concepts they have alongside their teachers. PHOTO BY MATTHEW KECK/ THE LOUISVILLE CARDINAL