Your health and safety is our top priority! Due to the recent public health crisis resulting from the COVID-19 Delta Variant surge, we’ve revamped our accreditation process to accommodate providers who are seeking and sustaining an NAFCC Accreditation. Starting this Fall, we will begin conducting both virtual and onsite observations, state by state COVID-19 guidelines permitting.
What you should expect:
Commitment to Quality and You
Continually Learn
Command Better Pay
Be Nationally Recognized
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:
- Self reflection through use of Benchmarks to Quality
- Training
To purchase a self-study kit, please click the link to complete the form for submission and processing. All Self-Study Kits are a Pre-Order and will be fulfilled within 30 days after submission of form.
Benchmarks to Quality (PDF)
Training Requirements (PDF)
Training Record (PDF)
Self-Study Enrollment Form (Online Form)
Self-Study Enrollment Form (PDF)
Self-Study Enrollment Form (Spanish PDF)
Self-study guide FAQ (PDF)
* Please note that the accreditation application process including observation and awarding timeline is currently between 6-9 months.
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:
- Prepare Quality Portfolio
- Submit Application and fees ($525 member fee, or $550 if sending a check by mail)
New Accreditation and Re-Accreditation (Online Form)
Accreditation Application /Re-accreditation (PDF Form)
Accreditation Application / Re-accreditation (Spanish PDF Form)
Training Requirements (PDF)
Accreditation Transfer Workbook (PDF)
Training Record (PDF Form)
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:
- Self Rating (includes Self Certification packet and video submissions)
- Parent Surveys
- Observation done by a Quality Assessor
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:
- Award Accreditation
- Award Conditional Accreditation
- Defer Accreditation
- Deny Accreditation
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:
- Adhere to accreditation standards and NAFCC policies
- Report program changes such as move or change assistants
- Continuously assess that the environment, policies and practices are aligned with the NAFCC standards
Accreditation Update Form (PDF Form)
Accreditation Transfer Workbook (PDF)
Accreditation Transfer Workbook (Spanish PDF)
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.
Electronic payments are strongly preferred with our online form. If payments are sent by mail to NAFCC, please expect it to take 4-6 weeks for the payment to be processed. Membership and accreditation applications will not be processed until after payments are processed.
Forms & Resources
Accreditation Resources
Accreditation / Re-accreditation Application (Online Form)
Accreditation Application /Re-accreditation (PDF)
Accreditation Application / Re-accreditation (Spanish PDF)
Training Requirements (PDF)
Accreditation Transfer Workbook (PDF)
Accreditation Transfer Workbook (Spanish PDF)
Training Record (PDF Form)
Parent Survey English | Spanish
Accreditation Update (PDF Form)
Benchmarks to Quality (PDF)
Accreditation Application Payment Form (Online Form)
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
University of Arkansas
College of Education
& Health Professions
Become an Accreditation 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.
Meet the Council
Michael Bachman
Chair
Jennifer Young
Immediate Past Chair
Maria Flores
Secretary
Tammy Dwyer
Clara Herrera, Ed.D.
Annette Eberhart
Sheryl Hutzenbiler
Stacey Buzbee
Susan Hancock
Apply for Accreditation Council
In the past, it has been very insightful to have an individual on the council who is a Nationally Accredited Provider. The council also includes other experts in the field from organizations that work to support early education and in particular family child care – individuals who believe in the quality of Early Care and Education offered in a Family Child Care setting.
This year the council is looking to fill three positions: Two Council Members and one Alternate Member. It is a commitment. Members typically volunteer 5-10 hours per month over the 3 years of their membership. However, it is an opportunity to expand your scope to the national arena and to work with other passionate experts who strive to improve the quality of Family Child Care. We as members have found great value in this endeavor and think you would too.
How to Apply
Click here to apply
The deadline for submission is February 15, 2023.
Have Questions?
Learn More About Being a Council Member
Learn More About Being a Council Alternate
Other questions can be directed to nafccaccreditationcouncil@gmail.com and one of the council members will get back to you.
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