Tarleton’s Child Development Center receives coveted NAC accreditation

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STEPHENVILLE (December 11, 2017) — Tarleton State University’s Child Development Center has received endorsement from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, making it the only NAC accredited facility within 60 miles of Stephenville.

The NAC accreditation recognizes Tarleton’s high-quality care and development program for children and professional training opportunities for staff and students that exceed state licensing requirements.

The endorsement comes on the heels of an intensive accreditation process, including a self-study by Tarleton’s Child Development Center administrators, staff and parents, and onsite observations by an early childhood professional.

“To be NAC accredited is a huge milestone,” said Elizabeth Stephens, director of the Tarleton center. “Staff, parents, students—everyone is to be congratulated for helping us achieve this level of excellence. This accreditation means that our staff and faculty believe in investing time and effort beyond minimum standards to offer a higher level of care and early education.”

Tarleton’s Child Development Center is far from a daycare facility, she pointed out. It’s a true research and learning facility for undergraduate and graduate students earning degrees in child and family studies, education, nursing, psychology and social work, among others.

“Each semester, we facilitate 900 or more hours of field experience and applied learning for Tarleton students,” Stephens said. “Students learn firsthand what to expect when they begin their professional careers. My greatest joy is watching students and children grow and develop.”

Located near Wisdom Gym on the university’s Stephenville campus, the center provides services Monday through Friday year round, using a certified curriculum found in public schools. Center administrators and Tarleton faculty assess children multiple times a year for individual growth and development.

For more information on the center and its after-school program, visit www.tarleton.edu/childdevcenter.

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