The Goddard School located at 4000 South Bogan Road in Buford has recently been awarded the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. Since 1985, NAEYC has offered a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs and to help families identify high-quality programs. Only eight percent of preschools and early childhood programs achieve this recognition. 

"We’re proud to earn the mark of quality from NAEYC and be recognized for our commitment to reach the highest professional standards," said Marijke Strachan, owner of The Goddard School of Buford. "NAEYC Accreditation demonstrates to our community that children in our program receive the best possible care and early learning experiences. Our management and faculty have earned this achievement by performing their very best every day." 

In September of 2006, NAEYC’s program standards and criteria were revised to introduce a new level of quality, accountability and service for parents and children to reflect the latest research and best practices in childcare programs. To earn accreditation, The Goddard School of Buford voluntarily went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The School’s program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten NAEYC Program Standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years. 

"The new NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for preschools, childcare centers and other early childhood programs," said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of NAEYC. "The Buford school’s NAEYC Accreditation is a sign they are a leader in a national effort to invest in high quality early childhood education, and to help give all children a better start." 

The Goddard School of Buford opened in 2008 and accommodates children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

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