FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAMILIES FIRST CENTER AT DCC

RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

            DANVILLE, VA, August 23, 2005 – Families First Children’s Center, located on the campus of

Families First Child Care Center

 Danville Community College has achieved accreditation status by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation means that the center provides a high quality program for young children and their families. The program has been accredited through the year 2010.

            In 1985, NAEYC established a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and to help families identify high-quality programs. There are 10,000 such centers accredited across the nation, but Families First is the only accredited child development center in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Halifax County-area.

            The standards included excellence in curriculum, relationships among children, their families and staff, enriched learning environments, assessment of child’s progress, health, education (including preparation, knowledge and skills of teaching staff), families’ linkages with the community, physical environment, leadership and management.

            Families First Children’s Center is a privately owned and operated early childhood program contracted by DCC to provide services in the Carrington Child Development Center. Dianna Forrest, who serves as center director and co-owner with husband, Mike, says this recognition is indicative of the level of care and education envisioned by the Center.

            “This (accreditation) assures parents of our desire to offer a quality program and structured activities in a state of the art facility,” Forrest says.

            She added the center offers year-round child care programs and developmental activities for children, ages 2-9. In addition, they provide USDA approved breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. The center serves the children of DCC students, faculty and staff, other state agencies, and is also open to the community.  The center is licensed to serve 50 children at a time and they offer both part-time and full-time service.

            Forrest has more than 30 years experience in the field of early childhood care and education. She received her bachelor’s degree from Radford University, and has served in administrative and teaching position in both public and private settings. The center, which opened in August 2001, is housed in the Carrington Child Development Center at 1004 South Main Street.

            For more information, or to register, contact Dianna Forrest, or by phone at (434) 793-9531.