Daycare Accreditation Guide 2026: NAEYC & Quality Standards
Complete guide to daycare accreditation in 2026. NAEYC, NAC, and what accreditation means for quality.
Accreditation indicates higher quality standards. Understanding what it means helps you evaluate programs.
Table of Contents
What Is Accreditation
| Aspect | Licensing | Accreditation | |--------|-----------|---------------| | Required | Yes | Voluntary | | Standards | Minimum | Higher quality | | Focus | Safety basics | Best practices |
Major Accreditors
| Organization | Focus | |--------------|-------| | NAEYC | Gold standard, centers | | NAC | School-age and early childhood | | NAFCC | Family childcare homes |
What It Measures
| Area | Standards | |------|-----------| | Relationships | Positive interactions | | Curriculum | Learning approach | | Teaching | Effective practices | | Staff | Qualifications | | Environment | Physical space |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025