NAEYC Accreditation

To ensure children feel a strong sense of community, we start each day with "Buzz Greetings", a warm welcome that could include a high-five, hug, fist bump, wave, or interaction with our classroom Buzz a stuffed animal. This tradition strengthens classroom community and sets a positive tone.

Educators are trained to:

• Engage at children's eye level
• Use positive guidance techniques
• Ask inquiry-based questions
• Support problem-solving and emotional growth

Family Inclusion: Our leadership and staff work directly with families to integrate cultural values, languages, and communication preferences into daily classroom interactions. Family events celebrate authenticity and invite diverse representation.

Engaging Families: Educators use Documentation Boards monthly to visually display children’s recent activities and developmental progress. These are positioned at classroom entrances so families can see and discuss their child’s learning journey.

Throughout the year, centers host events such as:

• Reading nights and guest readers
• Cultural celebrations and festivals
• Family picnics and interactive experiences

Community Partnerships: BrightPath centers collaborate with local recreation departments, businesses, non-profits, and community groups. Guest speakers and local events like parades or festivals help children build awareness of their broader community.

Culturally Responsive Curriculum: Our curriculum blends structured learning with child-led discovery. Teachers focus Weeks 2–4 each month on activities driven by students' interests, which may include their language, food, family traditions, and lived experiences.

Supporting All Learners: The BeeCurious Curriculum welcomes children as capable, curious learners. Teachers adapt curriculum to meet children’s individual needs and developmental levels, including those with learning differences or disabilities.

Individualized Instruction: Educators perform daily observations and link insights to their state’s early learning standards. These insights are used to tailor lesson plans and support each child's unique learning style and developmental stage.

Culturally Affirming Practices: During enrollment, families complete a developmental history form that includes information on culture and home languages. Educators review these insights and integrate them into classroom planning, supported by Education Coaches who ensure each child is represented.

Assessment Tools: We use Pearson Assessments—integrated directly into the BrightPath Connect app, to conduct periodic, formal assessments. These tools provide educators with data to track development and guide instructional decisions.

Family Involvement: Assessment results are reviewed with families during parent-teacher conferences. These meetings allow for collaborative reflection and ensure a well-rounded understanding of each child’s developmental progress.

Children’s Well-Being: We use social-emotional learning tools such as the Pyramid Model to help children manage emotions and build healthy relationships.

Educator Support: Staff benefit from:

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A wide range of mental health and wellness trainings
• Mindfulness tools like our preschool yoga program, which promotes conscious breathing, relaxation, and self-awareness for both children and teachers

Encouraging Safe Exploration: Healthy risk-taking is encouraged through supervised play and inquiry activities. On the playground, educators support climbing, running, and other gross motor activities while maintaining rigorous supervision plans.

Inclusive Classrooms: Educators are empowered to adapt classroom layouts based on children’s physical and developmental needs. For example, if a child uses a wheelchair, furniture is rearranged to ensure accessibility.

Directors work with fire marshals and health departments to ensure all facilities meet ADA compliance and local safety regulations.

Celebrating Diversity: Classrooms include:

• Multicultural books and toys
• Visuals and labels in multiple languages
• Photos and items representing local and global cultures
• Visits from community members that reflect the classroom’s diversity

Ongoing Educator Development: BrightPath educators participate in:

• Annual policy reviews and performance evaluations
• Required local and provincial trainings
• Monthly staff meetings focused on current trends and family feedback
• Online courses via the Go-1 platform
• Yearly in-person professional development sessions

Qualified educators may also pursue their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through BrightPath after one year of service.

Supporting Inclusive Practices: We maintain an inclusion policy to support children with atypical behaviors or developmental needs. Educators work closely with:

• Education Coaches
• Outside support agencies (e.g., ABA, Board of Ed, Birth to Three)
• Family members to ensure all children receive appropriate and affirming care

Leadership Development: BrightPath leaders participate in the LEAD program, a structured training series covering topics like family communication, staff management, center operations, and quality assurance.

Continuous Improvement: Directors meet regularly with Area Directors and Directors of Operations to evaluate center performance and identify areas for growth based on NAEYC, BrightPath, and local standards.

Confidentiality and Transparency: Strict policies are in place to protect privacy. Sensitive conversations occur in private settings, and staff are trained not to discuss other children with families.

Thoughtful Accreditation Timeline: We view NAEYC accreditation as the culmination of a growth process, not a checkbox. New centers undergo a year-long self-study before applying, allowing staff to prepare and fully embrace the standards.