ABC Discovery Child Care Center

National Honor Recognizes Standards and Accomplishments

Mina Smith, Manager of ABC Discovery Child Care Center at Goodwill's downtown Spokane headquarters, and her staff were jubilant as they received official word that their hard work and extra efforts have resulted in prestigious accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Standards for NAEYC accreditation have been raised recently so the hard-won achievement is especially significant. ABC is among the first centers in the entire country to be accredited under the new system.

Among the many categories the surveyors examine are the following:

· Relationships

· Curriculum

· Teaching

· Assessment of Child Progress

· Health

· Teachers

· Families

· Community Relationships

· Physical Environment

· Leadership and Management

In all areas ABC Discovery achieved high marks and comments and in some categories 100% or 100%+ ratings.

ABC Discovery Child Care Center was moved from its original location in the contract building to a new facility as part of the 2005 renovation of Goodwill's downtown Spokane campus. Light-filled classrooms for each age group and dedicated staff are complemented by creative activities, state-of-the-art curricula, an innovative playground, educational and recreational outings, and meals and snacks meeting USDA standards from Goodwill's own commercial kitchen.