Daycare Accreditation & NAEYC Guide 2026: What Quality Ratings Mean

When researching daycares, you'll encounter terms like "NAEYC accredited," "5-star rated," or "quality rated." But what do these labels actually mean? Understanding accreditation and quality ratings helps you identify programs that meet higher standards—though it's important to know what these ratings can and can't tell you.

This guide covers everything about daycare accreditation in 2026: what NAEYC accreditation means, state quality rating systems, other certifications, and how to use this information effectively.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Accreditation
• NAEYC Accreditation Explained
• State Quality Rating Systems
• Other Certifications
• What Accreditation Doesn't Tell You
• Using Accreditation in Your Search
• Questions to Ask

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Understanding Accreditation

The basics of quality ratings.

Licensing vs Accreditation

Important distinction: | Licensing | Accreditation | |-----------|---------------| | Required by law | Voluntary | | Minimum standards | Higher standards | | State regulated | National organization | | Basic safety | Quality indicators | | Must have to operate | Extra recognition |

Why Accreditation Matters

Accredited programs:

• Meet higher standards voluntarily
• Undergo rigorous evaluation
• Commit to continuous improvement
• Invest in quality
• Demonstrate dedication

Types of Quality Recognition

You may see:

• National accreditation (NAEYC)
• State quality ratings (QRIS)
• Religious accreditations
• Franchise certifications
• Curriculum certifications

The Accreditation Process

Generally involves:

1. Self-assessment
2. Application
3. Documentation review
4. On-site evaluation
5. Rating/accreditation decision
6. Ongoing maintenance

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NAEYC Accreditation Explained

The gold standard.

What Is NAEYC?

National Association for the Education of Young Children:

• Leading early childhood organization
• Founded in 1926
• Sets quality standards
• Researches best practices
• Provides professional development
• Advocates for young children

NAEYC Accreditation Standards

Programs assessed on:

1. Relationships
2. Curriculum
3. Teaching
4. Assessment of child progress
5. Health
6. Staff competencies and preparation
7. Families
8. Community relationships
9. Physical environment
10. Leadership and management

What It Takes to Get Accredited

Process involves:

• 4-step improvement process
• Self-study and assessment
• Classroom observations
• Administrative review
• On-site visit
• Ongoing annual reports
• Reaccreditation every 5 years

How Rigorous Is It?

Consider that:

• Only ~7,000 programs accredited (out of ~800,000 licensed)
• Less than 1% of programs
• Requires significant investment
• Many programs don't attempt it
• Signifies real commitment

What NAEYC Accreditation Means

An accredited program has:

• Met 10 quality standards
• Undergone external review
• Committed to improvement
• Invested in quality
• Been verified by experts

Finding NAEYC Programs

Search at:

• NAEYC.org accreditation portal
• Ask programs directly
• Look for NAEYC logo
• State childcare databases

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State Quality Rating Systems

QRIS explained.

What Is QRIS?

Quality Rating and Improvement System:

• State-specific rating systems
• Rate program quality
• Usually 3-5 levels
• Voluntary participation
• Tied to subsidies sometimes

How QRIS Works

Typical structure: | Rating | Meaning | |--------|---------| | 1 star | Licensed, meeting basic requirements | | 2-3 stars | Above minimum standards | | 4-5 stars | High quality, exceeding standards |

What's Evaluated

Common criteria:

• Staff qualifications and training
• Learning environment
• Curriculum
• Family engagement
• Administration practices
• Child outcomes

State Examples

QRIS varies by state: | State | Program Name | |-------|-------------| | Texas | Texas Rising Star | | California | Quality Counts California | | Pennsylvania | Keystone STARS | | North Carolina | NC Division of Child Development rating | | Washington | Early Achievers |

Benefits of QRIS Participation

For programs:

• Professional development
• Quality improvement support
• Higher subsidy rates
• Recognition
• Resources

For parents:

• Quality indicator
• Easy comparison
• Accountability

Limitations of QRIS

Be aware:

• Voluntary in most states
• Standards vary by state
• Not all programs participate
• Rating may not be current
• Different from national accreditation

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Other Certifications

Beyond NAEYC.

Other National Accreditations

Programs may hold: | Organization | Focus | |--------------|-------| | NECPA | National program accreditation | | NAFCC | Family child care homes | | Cognia | Education-focused programs | | AMS | Montessori programs | | AMI | Montessori programs |

Curriculum Certifications

Programs may be certified in:

• Creative Curriculum
• HighScope
• Montessori (various levels)
• Reggio-inspired
• Waldorf

Franchise Certifications

Corporate programs have:

• Internal quality standards
• Brand consistency requirements
• Training programs
• Corporate oversight

Religious Accreditations

Faith-based programs may have:

• Denominational accreditations
• Religious school associations
• Church-specific standards

Staff Credentials

Individual credentials include:

• CDA (Child Development Associate)
• State teaching certificates
• Early childhood degrees
• Director credentials
• Specialized training

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What Accreditation Doesn't Tell You

Important limitations.

Quality Exists Without Accreditation

Remember:

• Many excellent programs aren't accredited
• Small programs may lack resources
• Home daycares rarely accredited
• Accreditation is expensive
• Quality shows in daily practice

Accreditation Is a Snapshot

Understand that:

• Evaluation happens periodically
• Staff may have changed
• Conditions can shift
• Annual reports required
• But not constant monitoring

It Doesn't Guarantee Fit

Even accredited programs:

• May not match your philosophy
• Might not meet your specific needs
• Have different approaches
• Vary in "feel"
• Aren't automatically right for you

Your Own Evaluation Matters

You should still:

• Tour the program
• Observe classrooms
• Ask questions
• Check licensing records
• Talk to other parents
• Trust your instincts

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Using Accreditation in Your Search

Practical application.

As One Factor

Accreditation should be:

• One consideration among many
• Not the only criterion
• Positive indicator
• Starting point, not endpoint

How to Weight It

Think about:

• Your priorities
• Available options
• Other quality indicators
• Your observations
• Full picture

When to Prioritize

Accreditation may matter more if:

• Limited ability to evaluate
• Many options to narrow down
• Quality is top priority
• Peace of mind important

When It Matters Less

May be less critical if:

• You've toured and trust
• Small home daycare
• Strong word of mouth
• Your evaluation is positive
• Program isn't accredited but excellent

The Full Picture

Consider together: | Factor | Weight | |--------|--------| | Your tour observations | High | | Teacher interactions | High | | Licensing record | High | | Accreditation | Medium | | Reviews/word of mouth | Medium | | Location/convenience | Variable |

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Questions to Ask

About Accreditation

1. "Are you accredited? By whom?"
2. "When were you last accredited?"
3. "Are you working toward accreditation?"
4. "What does your accreditation cover?"

About Quality Rating

1. "What's your quality rating (QRIS)?"
2. "When was it last assessed?"
3. "What standards did you meet?"
4. "Are you working to improve your rating?"

About Quality Practices

1. "What makes your program high quality?"
2. "What training do your staff complete?"
3. "How do you assess children's progress?"
4. "How do you involve families?"

Verification Questions

1. "Can I verify your accreditation online?"
2. "Can I see your most recent evaluation?"
3. "What areas were identified for improvement?"

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Accreditation Quick Reference

NAEYC Accreditation

What it means:

• Highest national recognition
• Rigorous standards met
• External verification
• Commitment to quality
• Less than 1% of programs

How to verify:

• NAEYC.org portal
• Ask for certificate
• Check expiration date

State QRIS

What it means:

• State-recognized quality level
• Above licensing minimums
• Investment in improvement
• May affect subsidy rates

How to verify:

• State childcare database
• Ask provider for documentation
• Check rating date

Other Certifications

Consider:

• What organization?
• How rigorous?
• What does it cover?
• When was it earned?
• Is it current?

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Evaluation Checklist

Check Accreditation Status

• [ ] Ask about accreditations held
• [ ] Verify online if possible
• [ ] Note expiration dates
• [ ] Understand what's covered
• [ ] Check state QRIS rating

Tour and Observe

• [ ] Quality visible in practice?
• [ ] Staff interactions positive?
• [ ] Environment appropriate?
• [ ] Children engaged and happy?
• [ ] Standards reflected in reality?

Consider Full Picture

• [ ] Accreditation status
• [ ] Licensing record
• [ ] Tour observations
• [ ] Parent reviews
• [ ] Your instincts
• [ ] Fit for your family

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Resources

• Find Quality Daycare Near You
• Daycare Tour Checklist
• Questions to Ask Daycare Providers
• Daycare Red Flags Guide

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Last updated: December 2025