Good Shepherd Child Development Center was recently commended and reaccredited by the National Academy for Early Childhood Programs.
Gloria Hayes, executive director of the center, announced the top grades and commendations last week.
Initially accredited in 2005, and then in 2010, the process includes scrutiny in such areas as relationships, curriculum, teaching, health, physical environment and leadership and management.
In all, Good Shepherd was evaluated in nine areas and met 100% of the standards.
“The process of preparing for the evaluation is long and detailed, but it gave us a sense of satisfaction to see how well we were doing. Sometimes it takes an outside agency to reconfirm your significance in the community,” said Hayes.
Good Shepherd is located at 170 Old Point Road in Milford where it moved after 24 years at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on River Street. It is licensed to accommodate 40 preschoolers and 56 infant/toddlers.
“The building was designed for optimum usefulness and comfort for our children of all ages,” Hayes said.
Indoors there is a light, bright classroom with radiant heated floors and central air conditioning. Each classroom opens to an outside play yard appropriate to the children at each age.
Nutritious, well-balanced meals are prepared in a full restaurant-style kitchen with particular care taken for children with food allergies. Management and staff are trained in CPR, first aid, use of nebulizer and Epi pen use, and continually participate in education training.
Good Shepherd’s payment method includes a sliding scale as well as full pay slots for children. Parental participation is encouraged, but not mandatory.
“As an active member of the community, we take a personal interest in each child and each family’s needs,” Hayes said. “We are small enough to have that capacity, but big enough to accommodate them.”
For more information about Good Shepherd Child Development Center, call Gloria Hayes at 203-874-8232 or email her at Goodsheperdchilddevelopment@aol.com.