TCDN Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

1. I’ve heard talk about TCDN’s licensure and accreditation. To what does this refer?
2. I’ve heard that the TCDN Board has developed a strategic plan for the school. What does that include?
3. How can I become involved with the TCDN Board of Directors?
4. For More Information

1. I’ve heard talk about TCDN’s licensure and accreditation. To what does this refer?
   

   TCDN is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW).

   DPW licensure is required for any childcare provider that serves seven or more children. At least once a year, DPW inspects day care centers and DPW is also responsible for investigating complaints about child care facilities. Basic requirements that must be met include:

   • Maintaining qualified staff and meeting child-to-staff ratios.
   • Providing nutritious meals.
   • Meeting health requirements for children.
   • Providing learning opportunities for children.

   For more on the specifics of DPW licensing, visit their website

   National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation is not a requirement for a childcare providers. It is a national, voluntary accreditation system that sets professional standards for early childhood education programs, and helps families identify high-quality programs. TCDN is proud to be one of the first programs to acheive NAEYC accreditation when accreditation started in 1985. In 2002, issues including construction/safety at sites contributed to our inability to become reaccredited. The TCDN board is committed to seeking NAEYC accreditation for the Preschool. Since NAEYC no longer covers school age programs, TCDN After School Clubs will seek National After School Association (NAA) accreditation. We are also participating in the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS Quality Initiative. For more information on the specifics of NAEYC accreditation, visit their website. To learn more about NAA accreditation, visit their website. To learn more about Keystone STARS, visit their website.

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2. I’ve heard that the TCDN Board has developed a strategic plan for the school. What does that include?
   

   The TCDN Board developed a strategic plan for the next three-five years. We restated our vision as follows:

   “TCDN is a self-reliant child-focused organization setting the standard of excellence in our community.”

   We focused that vision further in developing the following mission:

   “TCDN is a non-profit childcare organization whose mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment for preschool and school age children.”

   To express this mission, TCDN will:

   1. Provide an atmosphere where growth and learning take place.
   2. Insure that developmentally appropriate methods, state educational standards, and nationally accredited criteria are used for each program
   3. Arrange programs so that family groupings are maintained.

   The strategic plan gets significantly more detailed as we’ve developed objectives and action plans in response to what we’ve determined to be the top priorities:

   1. Build a model of development and creative programming
   2. Achieve and maintain fiscal independence and responsibility
   3. Build our relationship with the community
   4. Define and communicate our identity

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3. How can I become involved with the TCDN Board of Directors?
   

   Every winter, the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors seeks out individuals who are involved with the school or community to consider them as Board members. We look for a diversity of individuals with a range of experiences, skills, and interests. If you are interested in being on the Board of Directors, let any current Board member, or TCDN staff member know. Each June, new members are nominated and confirmed for three-year terms. Each term year runs from September to August.

   We also welcome individuals to join the various Board committees, without being on the Board itself. We need your expertise, so let us know if you’re interested in one of these committees:

   • Fundraising/Development
   • Finance/Scholarship
   • Governance
   • Personnel/HR/Program

   More information about the TCDN Board can be found at the Board of Directors link from the home page.

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4. For More Information
   
   • See Contact Page on TCDN website

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