It is important for programs to be licensed or regulated in order to ensure minimum health and safety standards are consistently being met. Programs can voluntarily go beyond the minimum licensing standards and pursue accreditation. Accreditation standards often exceed licensing requirements. Accreditation standards are developed by nationally recognized organizations in the early care field. Programs that become accredited commit to meeting standards related to the following areas:
- Family Engagement and Support
- Health and Safety
- Leadership and Management
- Learning Environments
- Workforce Qualifications and Professional Development
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of child care: Child Care Centers, School Based Settings
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8.
- Relationships
- Curriculum (goals that promote learning )
- Teaching (teaching approaches)
- Assessment of Child Progress (provide information on children’s learning and development)
- Health (promotes nutrition and health)
- Teachers (meets educational qualifications)
- Families (establishes collaborative relationships)
- Community Relationships (establishes relationship with community)
- Physical Environment (indoor and outdoor space, equipment and materials)
- Leadership and Management (policies and procedures support program management)
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, (NEASC)
Types of child care: School-Based Settings
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges maintains high standards for all levels of education.
Main standards addressed:
- Mission and Expectations
- Curriculum
- Instruction
- Assessment
- Leadership and Organization
- School Resources for Learning
- Community Resources for Learning
Head Start
Types of child care: Child Care Centers, School Based Settings
Provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.
Main Standards Addressed:
- Learning Environment
- Health and Nutrition
- Relationships
- Curriculum
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
Type of child care: Family Child Care
The National Association for Family Child Care Promotes high-quality early childhood experiences in the unique environment of family child care programs.
Main standards addressed:
- Relationships
- The Environment
- Developmental Learning Activities
- Safety and Health
- Professional Business Practices
To find accredited programs in your area contact 211 Child Care at 1-800-505-1000 or search on the web at resources.211childcare.org