Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary process that identifies and recognizes the high quality services of family childcare homes, childcare centers and school-age programs based on an examination of various factors. There are many ways for your child care program to become accredited. We have listed some information below to help you get started with this process.
To apply for Accreditation Assistance, Application Coming Soon.
Accreditation Scholarship Funds Who is eligible to apply? Licensed family child care providers and licensed center-based early childhood programs listed on our database who are in the process of becoming an Accredited Program.
What expenses are covered? Accreditation scholarship funds may be accessed to cover expenses related to the Accreditation Process. This may include, but not limited to, self study materials, and equipment/supplies needed to comply with Accreditation standards.
Professional Development Funds/Accreditation Guidelines and Requirements Programs may apply for any amount required for equipment replacements/additions coinciding with Accreditation guidelines. Amount funded depends on program need as well as commitment to achieving Accreditation.
When should you apply? Programs can apply any time. Funds are limited and are granted on a first come, first serve basis.
How do you apply? Fill out the appropriate application form and return it to:
Child Care Resource and Referral Network
Attn:
Gena Schuler
207 W. Jefferson St., Suite 301
Bloomington, IL 61701.
There are several accreditation programs available to you to complete this process:
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The purpose of the National Academy of Early Childhood (a division of NAEYC) is to improve the quality of care and education provided for young children in all types of preschools, kindergartens, child care centers and school-age child care programs.
NAEYC Eligibility:
- Serve a minimum of 10 children within the age group birth to five in part or full day group programs and/or school-age children served before and/or after school with at least two adults present.
- In operation at least 1 year prior to accreditation.
- Licensed by appropriate state/local licensing agency. If license-exempt, demonstrate compliance with its own state standards for early childhood programs.
- Include the entire program that comes under the eligibility criteria in the self-study and validation process.
The Accreditation Process:
- Self-Study Process: the program personnel and parents conduct a self-study to determine how well the program meets the criteria and complete needed improvements.
- Validation Visit: trained validators make an on-site visit to verify the accuracy of the program description.
- Accreditation Decision: a three-person commission considers the validated program description and makes a final accreditation decision.
For more information about NAEYC, visit www.naeyc.org or call 1-800-424-2460.
National Accreditation Commission (NAC)
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs is a national accreditation program that was developed for early care and educational programs, and is used to promote professionalism and quality in child care. The process includes a self-study component, a validation visit and a review by the NAC commission for the final accreditation decision.
For more information about NAC, visit www.naeyc.org or call 1-800-424-2460.
National Association for Family Child Care Accreditation (NAFCC)
The National Association for Family Child Care has designed an accreditation system to help family child care providers set and reach quality improvement goals and to help parents and policymakers identify high quality care in a home setting. The accreditation is intended for providers who have demonstrated a commitment to reach beyond the minimum requirements of state licensing.
NAFCC Eligibility:
- Offer care to 3 or more children in the home
- Primary caregiver
- 21 years of age or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 18 months experience as a family child care provider
- 90 hours of documented training
- The Accreditation Process:
- Self-Study Process: NAFCC will send a self-study packet (includes provider self-study workbook and standards guidebook). This packet should be used for assessment of the program in order to make quality improvements where needed.
- Observation Visit: after all quality improvements have been made, NAFCC will arrange for an on-site observation visit.
For more information about NAFCC, visit www.nafcc.org or call (801) 886-2322.
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
Primarily for childcare centers, the NECPA system is a streamlined, user-friendly approach to accreditation. The NECPA accreditation process examines program areas such as professional development, work environment, outdoor environment, developmental program, parent and community involvement, and administration. It begins with a self-assessment and improvement plan which the center implements. A volunteer peer verifier then follows up with an on-site visit. The National Accreditation Council studies the results of the assessment, reviews the verification and grants accreditation.
For more information, visit www.necpa.net or call 1-800-505-9878.
The National AfterSchool Association
The National AfterSchool Association strives to be the leading voice of the after-school profession dedicated to the development, education, and care of children and youth during their out-of-school hours. For more information, visit www.naaweb.org or call 800-617-8242.
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