DEAL ISLAND, MD (June 17, 2024) – Deal Island Elementary School's Prekindergarten program recently received accreditation from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Faculty began pursuing accreditation at the start of the 2023-2024 school year for the school’s Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 classrooms.
Maryland Accreditation is an avenue for public prekindergarten programs to demonstrate their commitment to providing high quality learning. The process includes a self-appraisal, creating and reviewing a Program Improvement Plan, and making adjustments to teaching and the classroom environment to reach high levels of accreditation standards. Accreditation standards are evaluated by a representative from MSDE through an observation process before issuance. The accreditation status is valid for 5 years with a required annual update.
Karen Karten, Supervisor of Early Childhood Instruction shared, “The teachers and assistants at the school have worked diligently to reach the standards, and though it was a long process, it has really paid off. You can see the difference in the classrooms. Everything is age appropriate; learning is hands on and all of our students are engaged in exciting learning”.
Ashley Walters, Deal Island Elementary School’s Principal commended the school community for their roles in the achievement, beginning with the school’s Prekindergarten faculty; sharing that they “have done an exceptional job ensuring the success of our Prekindergarten program.” Walters added, “I would also like to recognize our students, families and the community for their ongoing support for early childhood education and school readiness. Deal Island Elementary is blessed to have received this accreditation ensuring our youngest learners are fully prepared for Kindergarten and beyond.”
Deal Island Elementary School joins Princess Anne Elementary and Carter G. Woodson Elementary Schools as Somerset County Public Schools’ (SCPS) third (3rd) prekindergarten program to receive the Maryland Accreditation for commitment to educational excellence and continuous quality improvement.
The Prekindergarten Program at Deal Island Elementary School recently received Maryland Accreditation for commitment to educational excellence and continuous quality improvement; joining Princess Anne Elementary and Carter G. Woodson Elementary Schools as SCPS’ third (3rd) Prekindergarten program to receive the designation from MSDE.