While the Center and its staff have been fully licensed by the State of Wisconsin since opening on August 1, 1994, accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) was awarded in December, 2000, and continues in good standing today.

What it means

NAEYC accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary process of intensive self-study and validation visits by outside early childhood professionals. These materials are independently reviewed by a team in Washington, D.C. which grants or defers accreditation. Once granted, accreditation must be regularly renewed. The accreditation process focuses on the children’s experiences in the Center. All aspects of the St. Peter’s program are considered: health, safety, staffing and staff qualifications, physical environment and, above all, the Center’s program for child development, care and education.

Other Certification

The Center staff’s also voluntarily participates in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. These Standards refer to specific development areas and expectations for children ages 3-5 as they prepare for Kindergarten.

Together with the developmentally appropriate curriculum already in place through NAEYC accreditation, the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards ensure that children at the St. Peter’s Center receive the finest preparation for school.