Program among the top 7% in the nation by earning accreditation
Smithfield, RI – Dr. Day Care Learning Center has earned national re-accreditation from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). Early childhood centers are evaluated based on standards that ensure the highest level of education and quality. Dr. Day Care strives to have all of their centers earn national accreditation. Dr. Day Care Smithfield, located at 1201 Douglas Pike, has been in operation since 2011 and serves infants, toddlers, preschool and school age students.
Dr. Day Care Smithfield is awarded accreditation from January 31, 2022 through January 31, 2025.
Accreditation is a vigorous process that can take up to two years to achieve. Early childhood centers are evaluated based on standards. These standards ensure n a clean, safe, and positive learning environment. National accreditation gives parents peace-of-mind. Parents know that teachers are creating engaging learning experiences for all children. Dr. Day Care strives to have all of their “centers earn national accreditation.
To earn NECPA accreditation, Dr. Day Care completed an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the NECPA standards. These standards assess quality in the areas of adult and child interaction, staff qualifications, health and safety, physical environment, administration, and parent and community relationships. Every three years the program must be reevaluated to become re-accredited. Dr. Day Care has demonstrated their commitment to quality.
Receiving accreditation from NECPA signifies that Dr. Day Care Learning Center is a leader in early childhood education”
said Dr. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, the Founder of Dr. Day Care
Dr. Day Care Learning Center in is proud to receive this honor. The NECPA National Accreditation Council and Commission has determined that Dr. Day Care “upholds the NECPA standards and therefore receives full Accreditation designation. Your program now joins a select group of early childhood care and education programs nationwide and internationally which have shown an exceptional commitment to professional and programmatic quality through Accreditation. This program is commended for achieving full Accreditation. This achievement highlights the dedication of the program to high quality early childhood care and education.”
Seeking NECPA accreditation is a voluntary process.
According to a 2017 study by Child Care Aware in America, only 10% of centers in RI are nationally accredited. Programs that voluntarily seek out national accreditation show their commitment to quality.
Dr. Day Care Learning Center was founded by Dr. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (known as “Dr. Day Care” to most). Each center utilizes the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum and is aligned to the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS). The mission is to provide family, youth and child services in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment through a team of dedicated professionals.
