The Whelan Children’s Center, which is located in the Mercy Building, was recently accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The Center was built 10 years ago and has since been providing Loyola faculty, staff and students with a place to bring their children.
“It’s a place that employees of Loyola can send their children that is close to where they are and know that they’re getting a good education,” said preschool teacher Robyn Dubre.
All aspects of the Center’s program had to be considered before accreditation was given, Dubre said.
The NAEYC places the most importance on child to staff relationships and how the program helps each child grow and learn. Health, safety, staffing, staff qualifications and physical environment are also considered, Dubre said. As of Jan. 1, 2001, only 7 percent of childcare programs nationwide had received accreditation, Dubre said.
“It holds a high standard for Loyola, as well as the prestige of the Center,” Rachell Boudreaux, who teaches two year olds, said.
The Center has 62 children ranging in age from 4 months to 5 years.
The Whelan Center’s educational philosophy stresses the creative process used when teaching children. It is very important that children learn by doing, teachers said.
“There’s so much room for a child to grow cognitively,” said elementary education sophomore Mia Cappoccia, a student assistant at the center.The Center was also awarded a grant of $60,000 by the United States Department of Education, through the Student Parents Assistance Program. Loyola matched with $33,388.
According to Center director Kimberly P. Hebert, the Student Parents Assistance Program’s purpose is to allow low income students the chance to place their children in a high quality program at an affordable price.
The NAEYC began accrediting in 1985 to make up for uneven state licensing and a growing number of children in childcare programs.
Accreditation was a rigorous process that began with an intensive self-study. After the Center was visited by early childhood experts, a team of national experts independently reviewed the information collected.Accreditation will last 3 years.
