Child Care Program Accreditation
Another step to choosing quality care is understanding Accreditation. It is a voluntary process
in which a child care program demonstrates that they have met quality
standards for child care. It is important to understand that state
regulations are no guarantee of a quality program. Accreditation by a
national organization requires that programs meet a higher standard than
state regulations.
- Programs strengths and weaknesses are rated
- Observation by a Professional Child Care expert
- Review of standards that program must meet as per the organization assessing the provider
- Ongoing child development trainings
- Curriculum used with children is reviewed
There are different accrediting organizations for different types of care:
For Centers:
NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children
Since 1985, NAEYC's national, voluntary accreditation system has set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and helped families identify high-quality programs for their young children.
For Family or Group Family Programs:
NAFCC - National Association of Family Child Care
NAFCC sponsors the only nationally
recognized accreditation system designed specifically for family child
care providers. This system was designed by hundreds of providers,
parents, and early care and education experts in an effort to create a
quality indicator for family child care programs across the country.
For School-age Programs:
AfterSchool Works! New York administers the New York State School Age Care Credential which promotes quality services to children and families by providing specific standards, training and evaluation for afterschool professionals.
National After School Association
After school recognition was developed in partnership with the National After School Association and in consultation with national educational experts and after school professionals and is offered through the Council on Accreditation.
For Camps:
ACA - American Camping Association
Educates camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, program quality, and the health and safety of campers and staff. Establishes guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices
For more information on accreditation contact our agency or review our Professional Development for Child Care Programs Catalog 2018