** For more information, visit https://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/** 

MIAMI, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Children's Museum — South Florida's premier institution for interactive and engaging early childhood learning — is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement: the institution has become the first children's museum in the United States to receive full accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

This historic recognition affirms Miami Children's Museum's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, play-based early learning experiences and proves that transformative education doesn't require desks, chalkboards, or four walls, but thrives in immersive environments that spark imagination, celebrate curiosity, and help every child reach their highest potential.

NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard in early childhood education, awarded only to programs that meet the highest level of excellence across ten comprehensive standards, including community relationships, teaching practices, health and safety, family engagement, and leadership. This rigorous, multi-step process reflects national best practices and represents the most prestigious recognition an early learning center can achieve.

"For 15 years, our Early Childhood Institute, the museum's preschool, has held accreditation from NAEYC," said Deborah Spiegelman, the Chief Executive Officer of Miami Children's Museum. "In 2024, we boldly chose to expand this distinction museum-wide by joining a national pilot program. Today, we proudly stand as the first museum in the world to be fully accredited by NAEYC, redefining what early childhood learning should be. This recognition further endorses the value of children's museums and learning through play in early childhood education and should serve as a model for how our institution is serving as a beacon in transforming early childhood learning."

Traditionally, children's museums have pursued accreditation through organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Miami Children's Museum's decision to align with NAEYC marks a pivotal moment, affirming that children's museums are not only spaces of discovery and play, but also vital environments for intentional, impactful learning.

"Accreditation by NAEYC positions us as leaders and innovators in early childhood education," said Natalie Williams, Director of Education at Miami Children's Museum. "As a former NAEYC affiliate member and director of high-quality NAEYC-accredited programs for over 20 years, I saw the powerful intersections between museum experiences, exhibits, and early learning. This inspired us to pursue accreditation for the museum, ensuring that our play-based programs and environments meet the highest standards and truly support children's development in meaningful ways."

For more information, visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org and @miamichildrensmuseum on Instagram.

Media Contact: Carma Connected, mcm@carmaconnected.com 

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SOURCE Miami Children's Museum