Michael Lane Preschool Director Kim Olson builds a river in the sand play area at the direction of budding preschool engineers. Photo provided

Lafayette's Michael Lane Preschool has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.

"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Kimberly Olson, Director. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Michael Lane Preschool went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. The program received NAEYC accreditation after a site visit by NAEYC assessors. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years.