This article was published in the Vail Daily News.
Colorado Mountain College’s associate degree in early childhood education has reached a milestone. The degree recently received full national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
“The NAEYC is nationally recognized as the premier leader and advocate in early childhood education in the United States,” said Barbara Jackman, a faculty member in Colorado Mountain College’s early childhood education program. “Full accreditation ensures that our students have chosen a program of high quality to meet their professional and educational goals.”
An Associate of Applied Science degree in early childhood education prepares graduates for employment at child care centers, preschools, kindergartens, nursery schools, after-school programs, recreational centers and other programs for children from birth to age 8.
CMC’s degree was initially awarded national accreditation with conditions two years ago. The program’s new accreditation status will continue for the next five years, at which time it will be eligible for renewal.
“The accreditation decision is based on the accreditation commission’s review of the program,” said Jackman. “The commission evaluates the patterns of evidence indicating our program’s ability to support positive student outcomes in relation to the accreditation standards. Special attention is given to the use of student assessments and performance data to increase program effectiveness, capacity and innovation.”
The AAS in early childhood education is offered at CMC’s campuses and commuter locations in Steamboat Springs, Rifle, Aspen, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs (Glenwood Center), Edwards, Dillon, Breckenridge, Leadville and Buena Vista.