A boy who receives Early Childhood Education in Western New Mexico University’s Child Development Center and Growing Tree programs, which were recently given five stars and ranked in the nation’s top tier.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children Put WNMU’s Early Learning Programs in the Top Tier

Silver City, NM – The Western New Mexico University’s Child Development Center and Growing Tree was recently awarded five stars. After a vigorous accreditation program review for renewal, the university’s early childhood programs were classified in the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s uppermost tier.

The five-year renewal process assesses 10 standard areas: relationships, curriculum, teaching practices, assessment of child progress, health, teachers, families, community relationships and physical environment. Seven out of 10 areas received perfect scores, with the remaining areas receiving nothing lower than 86 percent.

“This accreditation allows us to apply for grant funds to keep the cost of high quality care and education to families, particularly Western New Mexico University students, at a low rate,” said Elaine Howard, Lab Site Program Administrator.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children sets the standards for all Early Learning Programs nationwide, connecting practice, policy, and research to advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children.

For more information about the Child Development Center and Growing Tree accreditation renewal, contact Executive Director of Western New Mexico University’s Early Childhood Program Shannon Rivera at 575-538-6801 or Shannon.Rivera@wnmu.edu.

For 125 years, Western New Mexico University has served the people in its region as a comprehensive, rural, public body. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the state’s only public Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences university, WNMU is committed to developing cross-cultural opportunities that encourage people to explore new experiences. WNMU’s student body represents every segment of southwest New Mexico’s diverse population.