Winslow Elementary School Gets NAEYC Accreditation

A New Bedford school has been given a prestigious accreditation.

School Department Spokesman Jonathan Carvalho announced Tuesday that The National Association for the Education of Young Children recently awarded the accreditation to the Betsey B. Winslow Elementary School.

As part of the accreditation process the school went through extensive self-study measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria.

The accreditation was awarded following an on-site visit by assesors who were there to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards.

“It’s a lengthy and rigorous process to achieve NAEYC Accreditation," said Rhian Evans Allvin, Executive Director of NAEYC "and Betsey B. Winslow School, and the New Bedford Public Schools, should be commended for seeking high standards.”

Carvalho says the accreditation was awarded to roughly 7,000 programs, which is approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.

“The Winslow School community is proud to have earned the mark of excellence from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Principal Paula Bailey. “NAEYC accreditation shows our families that children in Winslow’s high-quality program have teachers who create engaging classrooms, enhance relationships with their parents and families, and develop rich experiences for their students.

An accreditation from NAEYC lasts for five years during which time the school could be subject to unannounced visits by assessors.