WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators.  Early childhood programs accredited by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. 

Accreditation is valid for three years.  During that period, programs should maintain compliance with accreditation standards, document program improvements, and provide notification about major changes.

CRITERIA FOR HIGH-QUALITY PROGRAMS

• A safe and nurturing environment which promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children
• Frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children
• Planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as reading stories, block building, painting, dress-up, and active outdoor play
• specially trained teachers and administrators
• ongoing professional development
• enough adults to respond to individual children
• many, varied, age-appropriate materials
• respect for cultural diversity
• a healthy and safe environment for adults and children
• inclusive environments
• nutritious meals and/or snacks
• regular, two-way communication with families, who are welcome visitors at all times
• effective administration
• ongoing, systematic evaluation