Proud to be NAEYC Accredited+, a recognition of the highest quality in early childhood education.

NAEYC Accreditation is more than a certification.

…it’s a promise to families that we prioritize your child’s growth, well-being, and love of learning.

Our Commitment

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sets rigorous standards to ensure that programs provide safe, nurturing, and enriching learning experiences for every child. Being NAEYC accredited means we are committed to:

  • Fostering strong, trusting relationships between children, teachers, and families.

  • Offering thoughtful learning experiences that support your child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

  • Supporting our teachers with ongoing training and professional development so they can provide the best care and instruction.

  • Creating safe, engaging environments where children can explore, play, and learn.

  • Connecting with our community to bring additional resources and opportunities to our children and families.

NAEYC’s 10 standards are the foundation of high-quality early childhood education. They guide everything we do at Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center to ensure that every child thrives.

Each standard focuses on a key area of learning, care, and program excellence—from building strong relationships and offering a rich curriculum, to ensuring safe environments and supporting families. Together, these standards help us provide children with the skills, confidence, and love of learning they need to succeed now and in the future.

  • Teachers build warm, nurturing, and responsive relationships with children, fostering trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

  • Learning experiences are thoughtfully planned, age-appropriate, and designed to spark curiosity, exploration, and growth.

  • Teachers use intentional, evidence-based practices tailored to each child’s learning style and cultural background.

  • Children’s growth is carefully monitored through assessments, which guide teaching and support each child’s individual needs.

  • Programs prioritize children’s health and safety through clean, healthy, and nurturing environments.

  • Teachers are highly trained, supported, and engaged in ongoing learning to continually improve the quality of care and education.

  • Families are valued as partners in their child’s education, with open, culturally respectful communication.

  • Programs collaborate with local organizations and community resources to enhance learning and support families.

  • Classrooms and outdoor spaces are safe, engaging, and designed to inspire exploration, play, and learning.

  • Programs are led and managed with strong policies and systems that ensure consistent, high-quality experiences for children and families.