New research suggests that an early difficulty with estimation, among preschool aged children, is directly linked to later troubles with math. Studies demonstrated that preschoolers who were unable to estimate basic quantities were 2.4 times more likely to develop a "mathematical learning disability." Estimation skills as a young child are crucial when it comes to understanding how numbers represent quantities later on. Researchers say that parents and teachers can help foster a child's estimation skills by drawing their attention to simple quantities in everyday situations.

The staff of the SED Center is dedicated to ensuring that each child receives a well-rounded preschool education, and that includes critical math skills for later learning. Estimation activities are part of our math curriculum along with other basic concepts that will help our students succeed in mathematics for years to come.

Running in and out of the SED Center each day, one is exposed to the vibrancy of the surrounding community that the SED Center calls home. What you might be blind to, however, is the rich history of Petworth. Originally just a couple of country estates, Petworth transformed rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s as Washington D.C. sought to expand and develop. This led to the construction of rows upon rows of brick houses which still stand today and give Petworth its residential character. These numerous houses have led to a strong sense of community within Petworth, with strong neighborly overtones. Friendly faces can be found sitting out on Petworth's traditional porches at any time of the day or evening that are often willing to shout a nice "hello" to passerby, stranger or not.

So next time you have a few minutes to spare, explore the area around the SED Center and you will not be disappointed. Stop by the beautiful Petworth Library, enjoy some delicious food or even explore Lincoln's Cottage - the possibilities are endless! 

We're thrilled to announce that the SED Center's Children's Program has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – 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 standards,” said Martha Egas, the SED Center’s Executive Director.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.” 

Since 1971, the SED Center has provided high-quality programming to the DC community.  The Children’s Program currently serves 130 children ages 3 months to four years old. In 1991, the SED Center was the first DC government subsidized program to earn national accreditation from NAEYC.  In 2009, the program expanded when the SED Center moved from Adams Morgan to a new, state-of-the-art center in Petworth.

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the SED Center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria.  The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards.  The SED Center exceeded the criteria for six of the ten program standard areas.

In the 25 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education.  More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.
 
“The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC.  “Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that the SED Center is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.”
 
The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985.  In September 2006, the Association revised program standards and criteria to introduce a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs.  The new standards today reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development.  NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible.
 
The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers and other early education programs.  To earn NAEYC Accreditation, a program must meet each of the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards.  Programs are accredited by NAEYC for a five-year period.
 
For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.

Studies demonstrate that big books - enlarged versions of children’s books with magnified text and pictures - are one of the most effective ways to engage young children with literature. The increased size of big books captures students' attention and allows for shared reading between students as well as "read-alouds" led by the teacher in front of the class. 

Shared reading between parents and their children is the best basis for early literacy, and “the big book approach” is the closest extension of parent-child reading that can be reproduced in the classroom. Moreover, the illustrations in big books aid children to anticipate words and engage more in the reading. 

Researchers also indicate that big books are beneficial to ESL students of all ages because they are non-threatening in appearance and are often repetitive in terms of the theme and vocabulary, allowing the reader to enjoy the reading process as a whole rather than focus on particularly difficult words.

A recently released study shows that after years of rising obesity rates among low-income preschool students, there are signs of improvement. From 2008 to 2011, the occurrence of obesity in Hispanic and black children aged two to four dropped for the first time in a decade. Such a turnaround can be attributed to an increase in breastfeeding, healthier food options in schools, and increased awareness of the causes, prevalence and dangers of obesity. 

While the statistics are encouraging, obesity is still an epidemic in the United States. One in every eight preschoolers is currently obese. If a person is obese as a young child, they are five times more likely to be obese as an adult. Thus, while these newest statistics are significant, there is still a long way to go in ensuring the overall health of our country's children.

The SED Center is dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles for its students. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a staple of the three meals our children receive and physical activity occurs everyday.

Although we do not see Ray Ritchey, President of the Board of Directors of the SED Center, on a daily basis at our organization, he is an immensely integral part of the SED Center’s success as one of the leading bilingual preschools and as a source of quality ESL adult classes in the DC area. Ray first became involved with the SED Center about nine years ago when the SED Center was vacating a space in Adams Morgan and needed a new place to plant its roots. As a prominent figure in the DC real estate scene, Ray came to the rescue of the SED Center and ultimately helped the center settle down in its current wonderful location.

Ray did not let his involvement with the SED Center end there, however, as he felt that “as a part of the real estate community whose workforce includes many Hispanics, [he] wanted to give back to the Hispanic community that has enriched [his] life in so many ways.” He became the Board President five years ago and continues to make the SED Center a better place for Hispanic families. “The SED Center is one of the most important aspects of my life,” Ray says, “The work ethic and sense of family in the Hispanic community is something I greatly admire.”

Ray is dedicated to the SED Center for years to come, and hopes to expand its reach to other areas. “Once our current center is entirely stable and in need of no more improvement, it would be great to open more schools and help a greater number of families.”