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Provider Services Index (Professional Development) >
What Is Accreditation?
"A process, which certifies that a program meets and/or exceeds state licensing standards."
Accreditation is a voluntary process designed specifically for child care programs, family child care homes and school-age programs. The accreditation process is an opportunity for a program to conduct a thorough examination of every aspect of the program based on recognized quality standards. Accreditation involves staff, parents, administrators and children. The process consists of a comprehensive self-study, a validation visit by an objective, qualified, trained individual, and a review of the self-study and parent and staff surveys by a Council of peer professionals and educators. Receiving the award of program Accreditation is highly prized and exemplifies a program that excels in the care and education of young children. To gain a better understanding of the various accreditations available please review the following information.
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
The National Association for Family Child Care accredits family child care homes that offer high-quality child care services. The purpose of Accreditation is to offer professional recognition and consumer distinction to those providers who meet these high standards of quality through their consistency and dedication. Accreditation is intended for providers who have demonstrated a commitment to reach beyond the minimum requirements of state licensing.
For more information contact: NAFCC (800) 359-3817
http://www.nafcc.org
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
National School-Age Care Alliance (NSACA) Accreditation
Accreditation with the NSACA is not a one-time event; it's a commitment to continuous improvement-both for NSACA and for the child care providers. Just as children are continually growing, the standards reflect the evolving challenges of the field. However, the baselines of safety, care and opportunity remain the core, and NSACA's national scope helps assure long-term stability and quality.
For more information contact: NSACA (617) 298-5012
http://www.nsaca.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
Accreditation Funds
Children's Home + Aid Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Program receives funds from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support child care programs and family child care providers in achieving Accreditation. Accreditation Funds may be applied toward membership fees, Accreditation application and validation fees and/or a consultant/mentor. Priority is given to programs funded by IDHS, with greater priority given to those with 25% or more of their enrollment consisting of IDHS funded children, however all individuals are encouraged to apply.
Contact:(800)467-9200
Janice Moenster Ext. 135
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