What Is NAEYC Accreditation?
NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard for early childhood education quality. Here's what it means and whether it should influence your daycare choice.
Understanding NAEYC
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is the largest professional organization for early childhood educators. Their accreditation program sets voluntary quality standards that go far beyond basic licensing requirements.
The Bottom Line: Only about 7-8% of childcare programs in the US are NAEYC accredited. It's a meaningful indicator of quality, but many excellent daycares don't have it.
Licensing vs Accreditation
State Licensing
- Required to operate legally
- Minimum safety standards
- Basic staff qualifications
- Inspections 1-2x per year
- Free (paid by taxes)
NAEYC Accreditation
- Voluntary excellence
- 10 comprehensive standards
- Higher staff qualifications
- Rigorous assessment process
- Program pays for accreditation
The 10 NAEYC Standards
1. Relationships
Warm, nurturing relationships between teachers and children that support social-emotional development.
2. Curriculum
A research-based curriculum that promotes learning across all developmental areas.
3. Teaching
Intentional teaching practices that maximize learning and development.
4. Assessment of Child Progress
Ongoing assessment to understand each child's development and inform instruction.
5. Health
Practices that protect and promote children's health and nutrition.
6. Staff Competencies
Teachers with specialized knowledge and ongoing professional development.
7. Families
Partnerships with families that support children's learning at home and school.
8. Community Relationships
Connections with community resources that support children and families.
9. Physical Environment
Safe, healthy spaces that support learning and development.
10. Leadership and Management
Effective program management and continuous quality improvement.
Is NAEYC Accreditation Worth It?
Why It Matters
- • Research shows accredited programs have better outcomes
- • Staff are typically better trained and supported
- • Programs commit to continuous improvement
- • Provides third-party validation of quality
Things to Consider
- • Accredited programs often cost 10-20% more
- • Many excellent daycares aren't accredited (especially small ones)
- • Accreditation is expensive and time-consuming for programs
- • Quality still varies among accredited programs
Other Accrediting Bodies
NAEYC is the most recognized, but other legitimate accreditations include:
- NAC (National Accreditation Commission) — Similar standards, more common for family childcare
- NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation) — Another quality indicator
- State QRIS — Quality Rating systems (like Quality First, Great Start) that many states use
- Head Start Performance Standards — For Head Start programs
Find NAEYC-Accredited Programs
Search NAEYC's database to find accredited programs in your area.
Search NAEYC DirectoryThe Accreditation Process
Understanding how programs become accredited helps you appreciate what it represents. The NAEYC accreditation process takes 1-2 years and involves significant investment.
Step 1: Self-Study (6-12 months)
The program assesses itself against all 10 NAEYC standards, identifying areas for improvement and making changes. This involves every staff member and often leads to significant quality improvements before assessment even begins.
Step 2: Application and Candidacy
The program formally applies for candidacy, paying fees and submitting documentation. This signals commitment to the process and triggers NAEYC oversight.
Step 3: On-Site Assessment
Trained NAEYC assessors visit the program unannounced over multiple days. They observe classrooms, interview staff, review documentation, and score the program against detailed criteria.
Step 4: Commission Decision
A national commission reviews all evidence and decides whether to grant accreditation. Programs that don't meet standards can address deficiencies and reapply.
Step 5: Maintenance (Ongoing)
Accreditation lasts 5 years. Programs submit annual reports, may receive random visits, and must demonstrate continued compliance. Re-accreditation requires another full assessment.
Why Most Programs Aren't Accredited
Only 7-8% of childcare programs hold NAEYC accreditation. This doesn't mean the other 92% are bad—there are real barriers to accreditation:
- Cost: Application fees, assessment costs, and administrative time total $3,000-$10,000+
- Time investment: The 1-2 year process requires significant staff time for documentation and preparation
- Staff qualifications: Programs may need to upgrade staff credentials or hire more qualified teachers
- Physical changes: Facilities may need modifications to meet standards
- Ongoing costs: Maintaining higher standards costs money (better-paid staff, more materials, lower ratios)
- Small programs: Family daycares often can't justify the investment for 6-12 children
State Quality Rating Systems
Many states have their own quality rating systems (often called QRIS) that are more accessible than national accreditation. These vary by state but typically offer 3-5 rating levels.
| State | Program Name | Rating Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Quality First | 1-5 Stars |
| California | Quality Counts California | 1-5 Tiers |
| Colorado | Colorado Shines | 1-5 Levels |
| Texas | Texas Rising Star | 2-4 Stars |
| New York | QUALITYstarsNY | 1-4 Stars |
How to Verify Accreditation
Always verify accreditation claims:
- • Search NAEYC's official database at naeyc.org/accreditation/search
- • Check the accreditation expiration date (valid for 5 years)
- • Look for the NAEYC logo displayed at the facility
- • Ask to see the accreditation certificate
- • Programs that say "pursuing accreditation" are not yet accredited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an unaccredited daycare automatically lower quality?
No. Many excellent daycares, especially smaller ones and family childcare homes, choose not to pursue accreditation due to cost and time requirements. Accreditation indicates a program has met rigorous standards, but its absence doesn't indicate poor quality. Use your own observations and research to evaluate any program.
Should I only consider NAEYC-accredited programs?
No—that would eliminate 92% of your options. Accreditation is one quality indicator among many. Consider it a plus, but also evaluate staff interactions, environment, ratios, parent communication, and your gut feeling. A program can be excellent without accreditation and mediocre with it.
Do accredited programs cost more?
Often yes—typically 10-20% more than comparable unaccredited programs. Higher costs reflect better-trained staff, lower ratios, and investment in quality improvement. However, some accredited programs keep costs competitive through subsidies, grants, or efficient operations.
What's the difference between NAEYC and NAC accreditation?
Both are legitimate national accreditations. NAEYC is older, more widely recognized, and has more stringent standards. NAC (National Accreditation Commission) is often used by family childcare providers and faith-based programs. Either indicates commitment to quality above basic licensing.
Can a program lose its accreditation?
Yes. Programs can lose accreditation if they fail to maintain standards, don't submit required reports, or have substantiated complaints. Accreditation also expires every 5 years if not renewed. Always verify current accreditation status, not just whether a program was ever accredited.
How do I find accredited programs in my area?
Use NAEYC's online search tool at naeyc.org/accreditation/search. You can search by zip code or city to find accredited programs nearby. For state QRIS ratings, check your state's childcare resource and referral website.
What if a program says they're "pursuing accreditation"?
This means they've started the process but aren't yet accredited. It's a positive sign—they're investing in quality improvement—but don't treat it as equivalent to actual accreditation. The process takes 1-2 years, and not all programs that start it complete successfully.
Do faith-based programs get NAEYC accredited?
Yes, many do. NAEYC standards are secular and focus on program quality, not curriculum content. Faith-based programs can incorporate religious teaching while meeting NAEYC standards. Some prefer NAC or denominational accreditation instead.
Should accreditation override my gut feeling?
No. If you tour an accredited program and something feels off, trust your instincts. Conversely, if you find an unaccredited program where your child thrives and you feel confident in the care, that matters more than a credential. Accreditation is information, not a mandate.
Are Montessori schools NAEYC accredited?
Some are, some aren't. Montessori programs can choose NAEYC accreditation, their own accreditation through AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) or AMS (American Montessori Society), or both. Having Montessori accreditation doesn't preclude NAEYC accreditation—they evaluate different things.
What to Look for Instead of (or In Addition to) Accreditation
Staff Quality and Stability
Ask about teacher credentials, ongoing training, and turnover rates. Long-tenured, well-trained staff who seem happy indicate a healthy program. This matters more than any credential.
Licensing Compliance
Review state inspection reports. A clean licensing history with no serious violations is essential. Repeated violations, even at an accredited program, are concerning.
Your Observations
During your tour, watch teacher-child interactions. Are they warm and responsive? Do children seem happy and engaged? Is the environment clean, organized, and inviting? These observations tell you more than any certificate.
Parent Feedback
Talk to current parents. Ask what they like and don't like, how the center handles problems, and whether they'd recommend it. Real parent experiences are invaluable.
Communication with Families
How does the program keep you informed? Daily reports, parent-teacher conferences, open communication policies, and responsive staff indicate quality regardless of accreditation status. Programs that welcome questions and concerns create better partnerships with families.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
Ask about their educational philosophy and daily activities. Whether play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or another approach, what matters is intentionality and appropriateness for children's ages. Accreditation doesn't dictate curriculum—programs can meet standards through many different approaches.
The Bottom Line
NAEYC accreditation is a positive indicator that a program has invested in quality and met rigorous standards. However, it's not essential for excellent care. Many wonderful daycares—especially smaller programs and family childcare—don't pursue accreditation due to cost and complexity. Use accreditation as one data point among many. Your observations, gut feeling, and research into specific programs matter just as much, if not more.