The Maxton Head Start Center, a division of Four-County community Services, Inc. has become one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association of the Education of Young Children -- the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.

"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standard," said Annie Wright, shared center manager. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best of care and early learning experiences possible."

To earn NAEYC accreditation, Maxton Head Start Center staff went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessor to ensure that the program meets each of the ten NAEYC program standards. Programs are accredited for a five-year period.

Annie Martin, Assistant Head Start Director, oversees the overall accreditation process for the Head Start Program and also provides direct supervision for all aspects of the Head Start Program.

The Maxton Head Start Center is located on 613 East Rockingham Road in Maxton and serves 34 children ranging in age from 3 to 5. The Head Start central offices are located in Laurinburg. Richard Green is the executive director, Emily Oxendine the Head Start Director, and J.F. Cummings the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

For additional information regarding programs people may call Four-County Community Services, Inc at 910-277-3500.