THOUSAND OAKS : University Preschool Earns Accreditation

The preschool that serves faculty, staff and students at Cal Lutheran University has gained national accreditation, becoming one of only 10 preschools in the county with that status.

In a three-year process, the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs inspected the school for quality of health, safety, physical environment, teaching staff, curriculum and administration.

“It does take a lot of work and in-depth study of your own program,� said Joy Brooks, preschool director.

But she said the effort had paid off.

“It’s a feather in our cap and a pat on our backs,� said Brooks.

The preschool program began in 1974 as a Cal Lutheran student’s master’s degree project. Although first priority is given to faculty, staff and students, the center is also open to the public. It serves 80 children from ages 2 to 6.

“We’ve got a very long waiting list,� said Brooks.

The program provides full care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Ventura County Chapter of the Assn. for the Education of Young Children plans to honor the preschool for having earned the accreditation at a banquet on April 23.