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Families > Accreditation

Accreditation

What is Accreditation? Unlike licensing, which is required by law for certain types of child care, accreditation is a decision made by the provider. Accreditation means a provider has successfully shown that she or he meets standards based on a national scale of professional quality child care or education.

Accreditation for Family Child Care

National Association for Family Child Care

To receive accreditation family child care providers complete an in-depth review. This process includes: Proof of licensing. Observation by a representative. Review of family child care records. A written self-evaluation by the provider. A parent review of the provider’s self-evaluation. Interviews with the provider.

Accreditation for Child Care Centers

National Academy of Early Childhood Programs

Early childhood programs, such as child care centers, preschool, kindergartens, or before-school and/or after-school programs can apply for accreditation.

Accreditation can be granted for a three-year period. Accreditation is awarded to  programs that: 

• Complete a broad self-study based on the Academy's Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs. 
• Go through a site visit made by trained validators to verify the self-study.
• Pass review by a 3-member national board (made up of recognized experts in child care and early childhood education) who decide whether the program is in agreement with the Academy's Criteria.
• Complete a broad self-study based on the Academy's Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs.
• Go through a site visit made by trained validators to verify the self-study.
• Pass review by a 3-member national board (made up of recognized experts in child care and early childhood education) who decide whether the program is in agreement with the Academy's Criteria.

After School Program Accreditation

National AfterSchool Association

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is the accrediting body for school age programs