Totem Lake KinderCare Learning Center in Kirkland has been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, a leading professional organization for the early childhood education industry.

Accreditation is an intensive process, granted by an independent, third-party organization validating that KinderCare’s teachers provide meaningful and engaging daily learning experiences for every child. Research shows that children who attend exceptional early childhood programs demonstrate higher math, language, and socialization skills.

Unlike licensing, which only ensures a basic threshold level of a center’s ability to provide care, accreditation is the gold standard in designating high-quality early learning programs. With less than 10 percent of early childhood education programs in the nation receiving accreditation, KinderCare is the only private provider dedicated to achieving 100 percent accreditation in its centers across the country.

“The journey of quality starts every time a child walks through the door,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, CEO of KinderCare Early Learning Programs. “Accreditation is a reflection of what Totem Lake KinderCare does every day on behalf of the children in their care.”

Totem Lake KinderCare serves families throughout the area, accepting children as young as six weeks to 6 years old.