Accreditation

What is accreditation?

Early childhood programs accredited by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study and improvement. Each NAEYC-accredited program must meet all 10 of the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. For more information about the standards and NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.rightchoiceforkids.org.

What is a high-quality early childhood program?

High-quality programs provide a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the development of young children. NAEYC-accredited programs show their quality by meeting the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards which are based on the latest research on the education and development of young children.

1. Promote positive relationships for all children and adults
2. Implement a curriculum that fosters all areas of child development-cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social.
3. Use developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches.
4. Provide ongoing assessments of child progress.
5. Promote the nutrition and health of children and staff.
6. Employ and support qualified teaching staff.
7. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with families.
8. Establish and maintain relationships with and use resources of the community.
9. Provide a safe and healthy physical environment.
10. Implement strong program management policies that result in high-quality service.

NAEYC Accreditation is valid for 5 years. During that period, programs make annual reports documenting that they maintain compliance with the program standards. All NAEYC accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits by NAEYC assessors.