What Is NAFCC Accreditation?

NAFCC Accreditation is a nationally recognized mark of quality for Family Child Care programs. It means your program meets rigorous standards in relationships, learning environments, health and safety, business practices, and professionalism — all grounded in the belief that there are Many Right Ways to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation is not about becoming someone else’s version of “perfect.”
It’s about strengthening your program while honoring your unique style, culture, and community.

Why Become Accredited?

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Professional Recognition

Stand out as a trusted, nationally accredited educator committed to excellence.

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Stronger Business Positioning

Families look for quality. Accreditation signals credibility, professionalism, and dedication — helping you market your program with confidence.

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Clear Quality Framework

You gain a structured roadmap for strengthening your practices across child development, curriculum, environment, and business systems.

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Increased Family
Trust

Accreditation reassures families that their children are in a program that meets nationally validated standards.

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Continuous
Growth

The process encourages reflection, goal setting, and sustained improvement — helping you grow as a professional year after year.

Accreditation is a Journey

Through Self-Study, reflection, documentation, and observation, you intentionally strengthen your program. You’re not alone — NAFCC provides guidance, resources, and a national community committed to supporting your success.

If you believe in quality.
If you believe in growth.
If you believe there are Many Right Ways to care for children.

Am I Eligible?

At least 21 years of age.

Have a high school diploma or GED.

Provide care to children for a minimum of 15 hours per week.

Provide care for a minimum of 3 children in a home environment. At least one child must not reside in the provider’s home.

Be the primary caregiver, spending at least 80% of the operating hours actively involved with children. Co-providers must spend at least 60% of the time actively involved with children.

Have at least 12 months experience as a family child care provider.

Meet the highest level of regulation to operate a family child care program by authorized regulatory body.

Be in compliance with all regulations of the authorized regulatory body.

Have a favorable state and federal criminal history.

Be in good health in order to provide nurturing and stable environment for children.

Maintain a current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification.

Adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Process Overview

Accreditation process

Self-Study: What to Expect

The NAFCC Accreditation Stage of Self-Study is the initial and foundational phase of the accreditation process for Family Child Care (FCC) educators. During this stage, educators commit to a reflective and comprehensive review of their program to ensure alignment with NAFCC Quality Standards. This stage focuses on intentional growth, program improvement, and preparation for accreditation. Educators formally begin this stage when they apply for Self-Study Enrollment through the Accreditation Portal.

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Key Components

  • Self-Assessment & Reflection: Review current practices against NAFCC Quality Standards to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Program Improvement Plan: Develop goals and make changes to align with quality standards.
  • Documentation Gathering: Begin collecting evidence to demonstrate compliance with standards.
  • Professional Growth: Engage in learning, coaching, and professional development to build capacity.

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Cost

Member fee ($385) vs Non Member fee ($550)

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Duration

Educators must remain in Self-Study for a minimum of six months and may not exceed three years.

Application & Observation Window Calendar

How the Observation Window Works

NAFCC schedules accreditation observations in structured monthly cycles. Once your application is complete and fully processed by the end of a given month, your program is placed into the corresponding observation window shown above.

Each observation window spans 4 weeks. During this time, a trained NAFCC Observer will conduct your in-person or virtual accreditation visit. In limited cases where an observation must be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances, NAFCC maintains a maximum 6-week scheduling window to ensure the visit is completed.

For example:
If your completed application is processed by January 31, your observation will take place during the March observation window. February is used for observer assignment and scheduling coordination.

This structured cycle ensures fairness, consistency, and timely processing for all accreditation candidates. Use the calendar below to plan your application submission based on your preferred observation timeframe.

Application & Observation Window Calendar

Applications processed by the end of each month will be scheduled into the corresponding 4-week observation window listed below.

Application Processed By (End of Month)
January
31st
February
28th (29th)
March
31st
April
30th
May
31st
June
30th
July
31st
August
31st
September
30th
October
31st
November
30th
December
31st
Observation Window (4 Weeks)
March April May June July August September October November December January February

*Observations occur within a 4-week window. In limited cases requiring rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances, NAFCC maintains a maximum 6-week scheduling period.

  • Choose your target observation month
  • Submit your application the month prior
  • Ensure all materials are ready and complete before submission

Costs & Membership Comparison

NAFCC Accreditation Fees

Click here for more information

Item Member Fee Non-member Fee
Self-Study Enrollment Kit $385 $550
Accreditation Application $615
Co-provider Fee $150
$850
Co-provider Fee $200
18-Month Update $200 $240

Accreditation Application Bundle Packages

Bundle includes: Self-study Enrollment | Accreditation Application – Observation | 18-Month Update Fee

Member Fee Non-Member Fee
$1085.00 *plus $45.00 annual membership fee $1600.00