Our accreditation program servers as a cornerstone in a state professional development systems and informs policy makers. For professionals there are two paths, and many right ways to achieve accreditation!
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Quality Standards
Accreditation offers national recognition to family child care programs meeting the highest standards for home-based early care and education. Helping parents recognize and choose high quality family child care, our symbol of quality honors diversity and reflects cultural competency. Accreditation allows providers the flexibility to implement standards through the lens of diversity and child-centered care. Accreditation encompasses a comprehensive set of standards broken down into five core competencies:
Our accreditation program serves as a cornerstone in state professional development systems and informs policy makers. For professionals there are two paths, and many right ways to achieve accreditation!
Path to Accreditation
Any provider seeking to deepen their understanding of quality family child care can begin the Self-Study phase. This process is a self-paced stage of reflection. It gives providers the opportunity to assess whether their practices are already in line with NAFCC Quality Standards, and how they can work to achieve this status.
Requirements for movement to the next phase:
Once a provider has completed the Self-Study phase, they can submit their Application for Accreditation. This phase begins with collecting the necessary documents to complete the Quality Portfolio. They must also choose a Quality Assessor that will conduct the Observation Visit, and obtain their Identification Number.
Requirements for movement to the next phase:
This is the provider’s time to shine. Providers demonstrate how they fulfill the requirements of each of the standards. There are three separate components to this phase.
Requirements for movement to the next phase:
In this phase, NAFCC and the Accreditation Council will determine whether a provider has fully demonstrated compliance with all the standards.
Requirements for movement to the next phase:
Accreditation validates the high quality of family child care. Accredited providers demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the profession of family child care. Accreditation is valid for 3 years. Programs are required to reapply at 2 years and 6 months, and will start fresh at the beginning of the process for accreditation.
Requirements for movement to Re-accreditation:
Accreditation
NAFCC administers the only national system designed for family child care providers. Accreditation is awarded for family child care providers who meet the eligibility requirements and the Quality Standards for NAFCC Accreditation.
Family child care providers achieve this high level of quality through a process that examines all aspects of the family child care program, i.e. relationships, the environment, developmental learning activities, safety, health, and professional and business practices.
Supports & Resources
Accreditation Projects
Connect with these local and state agencies for assistance that may come in the form of opportunities to participate in support groups, mentoring, help in developing a quality improvement plan, or financial assistance including help paying the accreditation fee.
Army
Air Force
Navy
Family Child Care Partnerships (FCCP) @ Auburn University
INAEYC
Maryland State Department of Education
Maine Roads to Quality
Florida Family Child Care Home Association
Ounce of Prevention
Tennessee State University
Wisconsin Family Child Care Association
Family Child Care Association of Maine
Become a Quality Ambassador
Build a bridge to NAFCC Accreditation! Sign up for the next training series for Accreditation projects leads and staff. Learn everything from project planning, to working with Family Child Care Programs and NAFCC. Be better equipped to walk Family Child Care educators through NAFCC Accreditation and Renewals.
Coming Soon!
Meet the Council
Jennifer Young
Chair
Victoria Long-Coleman
Past Council Chair
Maria Flores
Secretary
Mike Bachman
Tammy Dwyer
Annette Eberhart
Dianna Aguirre
Clara Herrera, Ed.D.
Clara Herrera, Ed.D.
Sue Jackson
Find an Accredited Program
Being NAFCC Accredited shows my parents I am committed to quality, that I truly support children’s growth and development in the most professional and caring way possible.” – Lida
Nationally Accredited Providers Map
Find an accredited provider by state and city