Spring 2003 Issue

Dear NCA CASI Members: I am so pleased that NCA CASI is proposing additional standards that apply to early childhood programs at this year's Annual Meeting in Chicago. We are all well aware of the importance of having quality education in our early childhood programs. We know that language development, meaningful experiences, and developmentally appropriate instruction are key to the development of children. Because of the importance of the early elementary years, including pre-school, it is important that NCA is adding standards to ensure quality in early childhood education programs.

The proposed standards will impact schools that serve children below the third grade. Some of the components of the proposed early childhood criteria are paraphrased below.

• The early childhood curriculum is broad in scope and meets intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs of children.
• Instruction accommodates individual differences, cultures, and learning styles.
• There are opportunities for students to actively explore and interact with the environment.
• There are activities to develop language and literacy through real life experiences.
• Learning about math, science, social studies, and health is integrated into activities.
• Daily opportunities are provided for developing large and small muscle skills, social skills, and aesthetic expression and appreciation.
• Instruction is age appropriate, developmentally appropriate, and sensitive to cultural differences.
• Assessment should include information from parents.
• The school collects information about incoming students that helps establish a program that accommodates all learners.
• Staff and parents communicate about practices that promote learning at home and at school.

These changes are being proposed for the elementary criteria for accreditation because most early childhood educational programs are affiliated with elementary schools. Note that the criteria relate to educational experiences, not to day care. The delegate assembly (four representatives from each state) will review, discuss, and vote on the proposed changes at the annual meeting. With the current federal mandates to address the needs of all children, it is especially appropriate that NCA CASI examines the quality of the educational program serving children from pre-Kindergarten through third grade.

Sincerely,

Don Kirkegaard
Chair
NCA Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement

About the Writer: For the past eight years, Don Kirkegaard has served as the Superintendent of Schools for Britton Public Schools in South Dakota. Prior to that, he was the 7-12 grade principal in the district. He has also held teaching, coaching, and school administrative positions in South Dakota. He is a member of numerous state professional organizations and has been an active member of the South Dakota North Central Association State Committee. He can be contacted at don.kirkegaard@k12.sd.us.