24 Jun Watch this modules media presentation, in which the presenters share their experiences with undergoing program accreditation. Then, use the Learning Resources, as well as

8084 Module 2 Assignment:

The Accreditation Process—Past, Present, and Future

If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.

—Aristotle

Over the last few weeks, you have become immersed in the evaluation tools which programs use to assess interventions, children’s academic and social-emotional progress, and teacher/family relationships. You have also explored how programs select their “it” or evaluation focus. You now observe the accreditation process, a powerful tool which assists programs in evaluating their programs as a whole.

In the field of early childhood, achieving accreditation is the hallmark of program excellence. Accreditation associations not only provide standards and benchmarks for which programs should strive but they also provide a framework for an ongoing commitment to quality. Building upon the latest research, accreditation associations evolve their processes to meet the dynamic needs of today’s populations.

In this Assignment, you examine the accreditation process, exploring how it has evolved over the last decade. You also consider how this process compares to other program evaluations which you have begun to explore in this course.

To prepare

Watch this module’s media presentation, in which the presenters share their experiences with undergoing program accreditation. Then, use the Learning Resources, as well as your own research, to explore how the accreditation process has been shaped by various factors throughout the last decade. In addition, reflect on how the accreditation process might continue to evolve over the next five years.

Module’s media presentation/Resources

https://cdnmedia.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/EDDD/8084/CH/mm/audio_interviews/module2.html

Assignment Task

· Submit a 2 ½ page paper following the APA style guide that addresses the following:

Accreditation and Evaluation

· From the outside looking in, it might be easy to confuse the accreditation process with program evaluation. As a leader, it is important that you are able to differentiate between the two. 

· Explain at least two ways accreditation and evaluation processes differ.

· Explain at least two ways accreditation and evaluation processes overlap.

Support your statements with a minimum of 3 resources in the form of in-text citations and references from required readings/viewings and your own research, following the APA style guide to format your work.