Did you know that one million paid child care educators care for three million children from birth to age five in their own homes? Accreditation is crucial in ensuring family child care educators meet the highest standards of quality and safety. By becoming accredited, educators demonstrate that they meet or exceed the rigorous standards set by national and state organizations, guaranteeing that children receive the best possible care and education. For family child care educators, accreditation not only boosts trust and credibility among parents but also fosters professional growth and strengthens their ability to advocate for quality child care policies.
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) offers a comprehensive path to accreditation, serving as a cornerstone in state professional development systems and informing policymakers about the standards and quality of child care services. NAFCC’s accreditation program is designed to support educators through every step of the process, ensuring they can meet the high standards required for accreditation.
NAFCC recently launched a new accreditation portal to streamline the accreditation process, making it more accessible and user-friendly for family child care educators. This innovative platform allows members to apply for accreditation after completing the Self-Study phase. With Salesforce integration, educators can easily track their progress and status throughout the accreditation journey. The portal is a central hub for accessing all required paperwork and the next steps, simplifying the process for users and NAFCC to monitor accreditation and observation progress.
In addition to its accreditation program, NAFCC offers professional development opportunities through its Professional Development Academy. This includes live and recorded trainings designed to help family child care educators improve their skills and knowledge. Whether you’re looking to improve your teaching methods, learn about new child care regulations, or develop better business practices, NAFCC’s Professional Development Academy provides valuable resources to support your professional growth.
Continuous professional development is essential for family child care educators to stay current with best practices, regulations, and educational strategies. It ensures that educators can offer the highest quality care, adapt to new challenges, and continue to grow in their careers. Through ongoing training, educators gain new insights and techniques to enhance children’s learning and development, stay up-to-date with the latest child care regulations and standards, and learn new knowledge and skills that boost their confidence in managing a successful child care program.
Accreditation and ongoing professional development are critical components of providing high-quality family child care. The NAFCC’s new accreditation portal and Professional Development Academy offer valuable resources and support to help educators achieve and maintain excellence. By pursuing accreditation and engaging in continuous learning, family child care educators can ensure they are offering the best possible care and education to the children and families they serve. Join us in congratulating the FCC Educators that became accredited in May 2024 (see the full list below).
For more information about NAFCC’s accreditation program and professional development opportunities, visit nafcc.org.
Accreditation Bundle Terms and Conditions
NAFCC offers the Accreditation Bundle for educators looking to invest in their NAFCC Accreditation Journey. When educators purchase a bundle, they commit to advancing their profession and to excellence in the field of Early Childhood and Education. This Accreditation Bundle includes the following fees for a discounted price:
- Self-Study Enrollment
- Accreditation Application and Observation
- 18-month Update Fee
*Please note that the Accreditation Bundle does not include Annual Membership Fees. The Accreditation Bundle is non-transferrable and non-refundable.
Starting August 1, 2024, NAFCC will implement a five-year limit on all Accreditation Bundles. This change aims to give educators ample time to complete the NAFCC Accreditation Process efficiently. We are thrilled to offer this extended time frame to help educators maximize their bundle benefits. Educators eager to benefit from the bundle should kick-start their Accreditation Journey by enrolling in self-study within 30 days of purchase.
Accreditation Bundle Pricing Update and Support
NAFCC will implement new rates for its accreditation services and items starting on August 1, 2024. These new rates will help fund the expansion and maintenance of the Accreditation Portal, a central platform providing access to all necessary application forms and guiding users through the accreditation and observation processes.
If you purchased an Accreditation Bundle between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2024, NAFCC will honor the price of your Accreditation Bundle as long as you maintain active NAFCC Membership.
| Accreditation Item | Membership Fee | Non-Membership Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Study | $385 | $550 |
| Accreditation Application | $615 Co-provider Fee – $150 |
$850 $200 |
| 18-Month Update | $200 | $240 |
Celebrating Excellence in Family Child Care
Join us in congratulating the following FCC Educators for becoming accredited in May 2024.
- Nera Crumpler (New York)
- Nicole Minke (Minnesota)
- Tammy Sherrell Malone (Maryland)
- Zakeeya Miller (Alabama)
- Alandia Alfreda Davis (Alabama)
- Valory Thomas (Alabama)
- Ibis Fernando (Pennsylvania)
- Mary Ellen Young (Maryland)
- Petrina D Thomas (Maryland)
- Patria Pizarro (Pennsylvania)
- Tamika Rutledge (Florida)
- Karen Morgan (New York)
- Stephanie Searles (Florida)
- Sadia Greenwood (Florida)
- Gwen Wilson (Florida)
- Sydia Winstead (Pennsylvania)
