The Ruth Staples Child Development Lab School has earned a new five-year term of accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The accreditation was received by successfully completing the association’s renewal streamlined accreditation process. The Accreditation of Early Learning Programs recognized University of Nebraska–Lincoln facility for its outstanding efforts in maintaining and renewing accreditation. The report stated that the lab school was to be commended for its efforts to go the extra mile and showing remarkable dedication and commitment to excellence.
The accreditation process requires programs to provide evidence and meet all 10 of the association’s standards. These standards include relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment of child progress, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment and leadership and management.
Overall, the child development center received 100-percent-plus ratings, which are the highest level scores for the assessment.
The review process includes an onsite review of practices, with classroom observations and portfolio reviews. To achieve accreditation, a school must meet at least 80 percent of assessed items for each program standard. The lab school has been an accredited program recognized by the NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs since 1989.
Parents were excited but not surprised to hear the news.
“Ruth Staples is a world-class child development laboratory,” said Lindsay Hastings, assistant professor and director of agricultural leadership, education and communication. “Our daughter, Anna, is thriving due to Ruth Staples’ inquiry-based learning, commitment to building positive and growth-facilitating relationships with each student, and helping students process how to create health relationships with each other.
“Anna comes home every night eager to share her discoveries, her favorite memories with teachers and friends, and her commitment to positive friendship.”
The Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory is part of the College of Education and Human Sciences’ Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies. The lab school also provides opportunities for scholars to learn more about young children through research and allows college students to train to be teachers.
The lab offers full-day childcare and preschool services for children 18 months to 5 years to the entire Lincoln community.
