Accreditation Spotlight: Chabot College Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Chabot College's Early Childhood Development program recently went through accreditation and were successful in becoming an accredited NAEYC institution of higher education. Congratulations on receiving this prestigious recognition! I asked Hilal Ozdemir, full-time faculty, about the process.
Q: Why did you (Chabot) go through the accreditation process?
A: We decided to go through NAEYC Accreditation process because accredited programs support student engagement and responsive practice. Additionally, completing this intense work and reflective process has helped us create additional partnerships with community stakeholders and also increased awareness among college administrators of the early childhood program and its value to the college community through participation in the accreditation process.
Q: What was the process like?
A: The easiest part of the process was all the enthusiasm among the participants: students, faculty, administration and our community partners. Yet in turn, the most difficult part was bringing all these participants together.
Q: What do you see as worthwhile about going through the accreditation process?
A: The following is what we will take as beneficial:
• Higher student engagement
• Responsive practice
• Partnerships with community stakeholders
• Increased awareness among college administrators of the early childhood program, and its value to the college community. Participation in the accreditation process led to approval of an additional full-time faculty member.
Q: Would you encourage other institutions of higher education to go through this process?
A: I would. It is worth it, all benefit!
Q: What would you like others to know about the process?
A: It takes time. It is a tedious job, so be patient. It is normal to get discouraged because it is a big task but don't give up--you are not alone, there is a great support system!
In addition, Hilal provided additional information about Chabot College ECD:
Vision Statement
Chabot College Early Childhood Development program's vision is to provide outstanding instruction and meaningful learning opportunities that are relevant to student's lives, including student teaching experiences in our model ECD Lab School. Our coursework and practical experiences are intended to prepare, inspire and build students self-confidence so in return they positively impact the lives of children and families, educational environments, and the greater community.
Population Served
We educate a diverse community of students and our coursework reflects the needs of children, families and our ECD students. In our coursework and Lab School experiences we emphasize developmentally appropriate practice, cultural competence, professionalism and ethical behavior.
Permission to reprint photos – article and photos submitted by Christie Verarde, CAAEYC Accreditation Chair