On Aug. 10, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
awarded national accreditation to the California School Age Families Education (CalSAFE)
program at Santa Maria High School.
“This amazing accomplishment is due to the incredible vision and leadership of the Child
Development team at the county education office,” said county Superintendent of Schools Bill
Cirone, “as well as the passion and dedication of CalSAFE site supervisor and teacher Jennifer
Thomas and the caring and commitment of the entire CalSAFE staff.”
NAEYC is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early
learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy,
and research.
“I speak to the students of this program several times throughout the year and I can attest
first-hand that the staff do amazing work,” said Santa Maria High School Principal Joe Domingues.
“They are infectiously dedicated to the lives of their students. This is great news and well
deserved!”
NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard for early childhood programs across the country.
Families of young children who attend NAEYC-accredited programs can be confident that they
deliver the highest quality early care and education.
The national accreditation is the result of a comprehensive review process and reflects the
highest of quality in these important areas: teacher-child relationships; curriculum; assessment;
health; safety; family relationships; professional commitment; community resources; and program
policies. The accreditation team was impressed by the passion, commitment and skill of Ms. Thomas and her staff.
