The Learning Lamp Achieves National Distinction in Early Childhood Education

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Johnstown, PA (January 13, 2016) – The Learning Lamp Center for Children at the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center is now a nationally accredited program meeting the high quality standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This accomplishment is shared with only a handful of programs within 50 miles of Johnstown. NAEYC accreditation is considered the gold standard for early childhood programs.

“Families that attend NAEYC-accredited programs can be confident that their children are receiving the highest quality care and early education,” explained Erica Ponczek, director of child development and early learning at The Learning Lamp. During a November 2015 visit from NAEYC, The Learning Lamp was required to meet 10 standards, scoring at least 80 percent in each category. The standards included: relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment, leadership and management. During NAEYC’s visit, The Learning Lamp received scores of:

• 100 percent on relationships, assessment, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment, leadership and management;
• 94 percent on curriculum; and
• 96 percent on teaching.

In addition to the score earned from meeting NAEYC’s 10 standards, The Learning Lamp received additional credit for meeting emerging criteria on other established standards. When NAEYC inspects a location, it not only conducts observations, but reviewers also look at classroom portfolios put together by staff and program portfolios assembled by directors. The Learning Lamp received 10 commendation points for the portfolios. “We have the best staff and they work extra hard to provide our families with the highest level of quality care and education for their children,” said Ponczek. “Becoming NAEYC accredited is just another way to show our commitment to the kids and families we serve.” The center is also a Keystone STAR 4 facility, the highest level available through Pennsylvania’s continuous quality improvement model for early learning programs. To learn more about The Learning Lamp’s child care facilities, or to enroll your child, call Erica Ponczek at 814-262-0732 extension 222.

The Learning Lamp is a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage all children in the support they need to succeed. We deliver high quality programs that are affordable and accessible to families of all income levels. The Learning Lamp served 19,748 children from 88 school districts and 46 non-public and private schools and other organizations in 18 Pennsylvania counties and two counties in Maryland in 2014.

Our programs include: one-to-one tutoring; before/after school programs; portable classrooms aimed at building math and science skills; alternative education programs for at-risk students; evidence-based prevention programs; online learning and credit recovery; SAT preparation; educationally-focused child care; literacy-based preschool programs; and grant writing and project consulting for schools.