Teacher Jean Hannula reads to preschoolers at the MSU Child Development Center. The center recently received national re-accreditation. (Photo by Erin Raley, MSU News Service.)

The Montana State University Child Development Center, the laboratory child care program operated by the Department of Health and Human Development, was granted re-accreditation through July 2008, by the National Association for the Education of Young Children the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. The center was the first program in Montana to be accredited in 1987, and has continued to be accredited throughout the years. Currently, 18 programs in Montana, including four in Bozeman, are honored with this distinction.

Accreditation is a rigorous process by which early childhood programs demonstrate that they consistently meet national standards of excellence in all aspects of program provision including staffing and staff qualifications, family interactions, curriculum, health and safety, administration and physical environment. The greatest emphasis is on the children's relationship with the staff and how the program helps each child grow and learn intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

"Receiving re-accreditation is always exciting," said Dede Baker, the center's director. "It affirms that our program continues to provide care and education consistent with the highest professional standards. That is important, not only to our children and families, but to the MSU students studying with us."

The center is open to the community, accepting children ages three years old through Kindergarten. Sessions are full day or half day, operating on a full-year schedule. For information, contact the director, Dede Baker, at 994-5008.

Posted for 12/3/04 by Jean Arthur