High Standards of Care
Research shows a direct correlation between high-quality early learning and children's positive long-term outcomes in life, including:
- Increased educational attainment
- Healthier lifestyles
- More successful careers
While licensing standards vary from state to state, it is required of every early learning childcare center and all preschools. On the other hand, child care programs voluntarily become accredited because it is not mandated by law. Programs that choose to become accredited have to show they meet certain requirements above state licensing requirements.
Knowing that preschools and childcare facilities meet licensing and accreditation requirements helps families recognize quality early learning programs and feel comfortable knowing that their children are receiving a high-quality, research-based education that will prepare them for future success.
Licensure
A child care license shows that a program has met the state standards for operating a child care program. Licensing regulations generally address:
- Health and safety to help protect your child from injury and illness
- Safe sleep practices
- Caregiver-to-child ratios and group size
- Food preparation and serving
- Staff training requirements and background checks
- Emergency preparedness
- Physical environment of the program
- Program management
Licensure for Radiant Faith Academy in both Maryland Heights and St. Louis City is acquired through the DHSS Section for Child Care Regulations.
Thank you so much for these past six years. We know we'll see you again.
Jessica, Parent
Our Accreditation Process
Accreditation by a national accrediting body ensures a program achieves higher levels of quality.
Accreditation requirements are established to determine the best that can be provided to facilitate optimal growth and development in Early Childhood Education. Thus, adhering to these guidelines ensures childcare programs are intentional about ensuring children's success.
There are several national organizations that accredit child care programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the most well-known child care accrediting organizations.
Achieving NAEYC Accreditation is a four-step process that involves self-reflection and quality improvement in order to meet and maintain accreditation over a 5-year period. Directors, teachers, and families all participate in the process.
Programs are required to meet standards grouped into 10 areas:
- Relationships with children
- Curriculum
- Reaching approaches
- Child assessment
- Nutrition and health above licensing requirements
- Staff qualifications above licensing requirements
- Relationship with children's families
- Relationship with the community
- Physical environment above licensing requirements
- Program leadership and management above licensing requirements
We Value Every Child
We not only strive to provide guidance in traditional education areas where they can grow intellectually, but we also believe in developing the child's physical, emotional, and social abilities.
Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of the families we serve, and our custom-designed curriculum by age group ensure developmental needs are met.
We cherish each child’s individuality and pride ourselves on being attune to and mindful of each one’s unique needs.
Enroll Today.
Enrollment for our early education & childcare programs is open year-round!
Radiant Faith Academy in Maryland Heights and on West Florissant Ave. in St. Louis welcomes all families and children to join our programs. We value the differences that each family and child brings.
Enroll today and discover a program that supports your child’s development!
