Pathways: National Early Education and Care Accreditation has been developed by local experts in the field of early care and education.

Pathways is a user-friendly and strength-based accreditation system for childcare centers. It has been based on an extensive review of national standards from around the country including, Head Start, American Academy of Pediatrics, New York State Office and Children and Family Services, National Association for the Education of Young Children and other accreditation programs.

Pathways features a unique on-line survey for childcare centers to help them assess their readiness before beginning the accreditation process. The system utilizes several assessment tools including the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Infant and Toddler Rating Scale, parent surveys, interviews with staff and administrators and site visits. Pathways is a rigorous accreditation system that blends the best thinking of many experts in the field.

The goal of Pathways is to help ensure that children are cared for in the best possible way -- in safe, high quality settings -- and are empowered by healthy, appropriate and joyful experiences in centers as they thrive to reach their full potential.

Pathways is now being piloted in two local childcare centers. In 2009, Pathways will be taking applications from childcare centers that wish to become accredited.

If you are interested in Pathways accreditation for your center, please contact Connie Valk, Early Education Specialist at cvalk@childrensinstitute.net or 585-467-3191. She can send you information and/or place you on a contact list when materials are ready for full implementation of Pathways.