Center Accreditation

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for Early Childhood Programs

In this accreditation process, a child care center's administration, staff, and parents join with representatives of the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs to determine whether their program meets nationally recognized criteria for high quality. Accreditation is achieved through self-study and facilitates lasting improvements in the quality of the early childhood program.

For more information contact: NAEYC (800) 424-2460
http://www.naeyc.org

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)

NECPA standards combine health and safety standards and developmental standards. The Accreditation process examines program areas such as professional development, work environment, outdoor environment, developmental program, parent and community involvement, and administration.

The NECPA system is a streamlined, user-friendly approach to Accreditation. 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 self-assessment and verification visit and makes an Accreditation decision.

For more information contact: NECPA (800) 505-9878
http://www.nccanet.org

National Accreditation Commission For Early Care and Education Programs (NAC)

NAC promotes professionalism and program quality. Administrators, staff, and parents evaluate the early care & education program in accordance with NAC Accreditation standards, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making needed improvements as required. This information is documented in a self-study report. Upon completion of the self-study trained early care and education professionals conduct on-site observations and interviews verifying information provided in the self-study report. NAC commissioners assess the self-study report with the Validator's comments and verification that the program meets NAC accreditation standards. Commissioners then recommend to award, defer, or deny accreditation.

For more information contact: NACCP (800) 537-1118
http://www.naccp.org