Date: January 29, 2026
Media Contact:
Annette Searfoss Ph.D., CEO
First Start Partnerships for Children and Families
(717) 263-8019 | asearfoss@firststartpartnerships.org
First Start Partnerships for Children and Families Earns National NAEYC Accreditation+ (A+)
Program recognized among the top in the nation for high-quality early learning
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. – First Start Partnerships for Children and Families has earned Accreditation+ through the NAEYC Early Learning Program Quality Assessment and Accreditation system – the highest designation awarded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading organization working on behalf of young children.
NAEYC Accreditation+ means that an early learning program that not only meet national standards for excellence but also demonstrate their commitment to high-quality care and education through verified on-site practices and participation in enhanced quality assurance protocols. Programs at this level also agree to adhere to additional quality assurance measures, including random site visits and other ongoing accountability requirements that help ensure sustained excellence.
To earn Accreditation+, First Start engaged in a rigorous, evidence-based review, involving self-study and ongoing evaluation, that culminated with required site visits from a NAEYC assessor to confirm the implementation of best practices.
“Achieving Accreditation+ is a meaningful and proud moment for our entire community,” said Annette Searfoss, Ph.D., CEO of First Start Partnerships for Children and Families. “It confirms that we are not just saying we meet quality standards – we have shown it through documentation, site visits, and our everyday work with children and families. Our staff are truly champions for children, and this recognition helps shine a light on the high-quality learning and support families receive across Franklin County.”
To achieve Accreditation status, a program must meet:
- At least 80% of the assessed criteria for each of 10 standard areas. Overall, First Start met 94% of all assessed criteria.
- At least 70% of the assessed criteria in each classroom observed. ALL First Start classrooms observed met at least 98% of assessed criteria, with six classrooms scoring 100%.
Franklin County proclaims 2026 the Year of the Young Child
On January 21, 2026, the Franklin County Commissioners proclaimed 2026 as the “Year of the Young Child” in Franklin County, joining First Start Partnerships for Children and Families and other local organizations in highlighting the vital role early childhood educators play in children’s healthy development.
“Franklin County’s future is dependent upon our children, and for that reason it’s important that we, as community leaders, do our part to make sure they have a strong start in life,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s also critical that we support and advocate for qualified, dependable educators who have such an impact on kids in their formative years.”
This countywide proclamation aligns with First Start’s NAEYC Accreditation+ (A+)
Recognition, reinforcing a shared commitment to expand access to high-quality early learning
and support the professionals who make it possible. Learn more about the Year of the Young Child proclamation.
Leading the way for Franklin County’s children and families
First Start’s Accreditation+ milestone reflects years of data-informed improvement. In 2022, First Start convened community stakeholders and partnered with early childhood experts to identify barriers impacting access, affordability, workforce stability, and quality – then used those findings to inform a multi-year strategic plan focused on measurable progress.
Examples of First Start’s progress so far include:
- Workforce stability: a consistent annual staff retention rate of 84% or higher.
- Increased access for working families: two Chambersburg community hubs now offer extended-day options (7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year).
- High-quality early care and education: demonstrated by NAEYC Accreditation+
“Programs that reach the Accreditation+ tier have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to children and families,” said NAEYC Director of Early Learning Program Kim Hodge. “First Start Partnerships for Children and Families is setting the bar for what high-quality early education can and should look like.”
To learn more about Accreditation+ and NAEYC’s system, visit naeyc.org.