Northern Essex Community College’s Early Childhood Education Program has renewed its accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

NECC is one of 162 programs in 31 states to receive accreditation since the accreditation system was launched in 2006. Programs must renew the accreditation every seven years.

“These programs have demonstrated their commitment to continuous quality improvement, transparency, and public accountability at a critical time when there is increased demand for more early educators with the competencies needed to support young children and their families,” said Marica Cox Mitchell, director of higher education accreditation and program support at NAEYC.

The accreditation system establishes professional preparation standards to raise the quality of early childhood teacher education which in turn raises the quality of early learning programs serving young children.

“The ECE Program is committed to student success in a positive learning environment that includes an enriching curriculum, quality instruction, and various support services to meet the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation,” says Gail Feigenbaum, NECC’s Early Childhood Education Program coordinator.   

Northern Essex offers an associate degree in early childhood education which prepares students, for professional careers in Early Childhood Education or for transfer to a four-year college.

The college also offers an associate degree in elementary education and liberal arts: Middle/ High School Teaching.

An integral part of NECC’s program is the practicum and field placements which allow the student to apply theory and skills, under guidance and supervision, in classrooms and educational programs.

For additional information regarding the accreditation or the early childhood program contact Gail Feigenbaum, program coordinator, at gfeigenbaum@necc.mass.edu