SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – Cuesta College proudly announces that the Cuesta College Children’s Center has achieved National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation+, a nationally recognized mark of quality in early childhood education.
The Children’s Center, which serves local families and functions as a laboratory school supporting Cuesta College’s Child Development and Family Studies programs, completed the rigorous NAEYC accreditation process after pursuing this distinction beginning in the 2022–23 academic year. This achievement reflects the program’s commitment to excellence in early learning, developmentally appropriate practice, and professional standards in early childhood education.
In a region where the cost and availability of childcare can be a significant barrier to higher education, the Cuesta College Children’s Center plays a critical role in supporting student parents. By providing high-quality, accessible childcare, the program helps students remain enrolled, persist in their coursework, and continue working toward their educational and career goals.
NAEYC Accreditation+ is widely regarded as the gold standard for early learning programs in the United States. It signifies that a program meets research-based criteria for high-quality interactions, curriculum, teacher qualifications, health and safety standards, and family engagement. NAEYC’s accreditation process is comprehensive and voluntary, ensuring that accredited programs provide enriching, supportive, and developmentally sound environments for young children. Accreditation+ is their highest accreditation tier, which includes mandatory site visits, ongoing review, and additional quality benchmarks.
“Achieving NAEYC Accreditation+ highlights the dedication of our Children’s Center employees and the entire Cuesta College community to nurturing young learners and supporting future educators,” said Director of the Children’s Center Maddy Chevalier. “This recognition affirms the high-quality care and education we provide, and underscores our role as a model of early childhood excellence in the region.”
The Children’s Center serves children between 18 months and five years old at two locations: the San Luis Obispo Campus and the North County Campus in Paso Robles. Programs are grounded in best-practice philosophies in early childhood education and offer hands-on learning environments where children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. The Center also provides invaluable real-world learning opportunities for Cuesta College students pursuing careers in early childhood education.
This accreditation supports Cuesta College’s mission to deliver high-quality educational opportunities that benefit students, families, and the community. It reinforces the college’s leadership in preparing competent, compassionate early childhood educators who will contribute to the well-being and development of young children in California and beyond.
For more information about the Cuesta College Children’s Center and its programs, please visit cuesta.edu/community/childrenscenter.
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.
About NAEYC
Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to improving the well-being of young
children and promoting high standards in early childhood education. NAEYC accreditation
helps families and communities identify programs committed to quality learning and
care.
Photo: A Cuesta College Children’s Center student educator engages with young learners at the North County Campus in Paso Robles. The Children’s Center, which serves children ages 18 months to five years at the San Luis Obispo and North County campuses, recently earned NAEYC Accreditation+, the highest tier recognizing excellence in early childhood education.