Eligibility Requirements:

Meet eligibility requirements for NAEYC Accreditation:

• Center- or school-based program serving children birth through kindergarten
• Serving a minimum of 10 children
• Has been in operation for at least one year prior to submitting materials for candidacy (Step 3)
• Regulated by the appropriate licensing/regulatory body For programs not currently licensed or regulated:
  • Programs that are eligible for licensing or regulation by their state must have proof that they have taken the steps to obtain the license or become regulated. It is not necessary for the process to be completed by the state before the program is eligible to apply for NAEYC Accreditation.
  • Programs that are eligible to be regulated by another public agency (for example, a Board of Education or the U.S. military) must be regulated in that way. Programs that are legally prohibited from state licensing or other forms of public regulation must voluntarily comply with their state licensing requirements. At the time of candidacy, the program must provide documentation that the program has been inspected by local fire and health authorities, that it has complied with state and federal laws concerning background checks for staff, and that it does not employ any individual convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse or child abuse or neglect. In addition, the program must provide information to families about state licensing requirements and inform families that the program is voluntarily meeting these requirements.
• Located in the United States or its territories, unless affiliated with United States Department of Defense schools and child development centers/programs
• Willing to meet each of NAEYC's 10 early childhood program standards.