NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. To achieve NAEYC Accreditation, early childhood education programs volunteer to be measured against the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. Today, over 8,000 NAEYC accredited early childhood education programs serve families around the nation.
Updates for Programs
Important Updates Released on the 2nd Anniversary of Reinvention
Important updates to the accreditation system based on the results of the 2008 Criteria Review and feedback from programs have been released in the September 16, 2008 Special Edition Accreditation E-Update.
Updates include:
- Streamlined Annual Report
- Revised 2008 Sources of Evidence
- Notes on the 2008 Edition of Self-Study Kit
- Updated Additional Guidance for all Criteria
- Update on Local Assessors
- And more!
TORCH is officially launched!
We are excited to announce the official launch of TORCH: The Online Resource Center Headquarters. Access TORCH for a free searchable database of all criteria and important resources to complete Self-Study, Self-Assessment, and more! Learn more about TORCH and self-register today!
Already a member of TORCH? Log in as a returning user
Software is now available for purchase to help programs create electronic portfolios for NAEYC Accreditation!
- SCHOOLCHAPTERS' Photo Tag Plus Technology, a web based application designed by Chapter 97, can be utilized as a resource for preparing electronic portfolios. NAEYC does not endorse Chapter 97's products or services. As outlined in the NAEYC Assessor Site Visit Protocol, NAEYC Assessors are prepared to review portfolios in electronic format. Programs interested in entering license agreements with Chapter 97 to use Chapter 97's product and services should contact Chapter 97 directly at http://www.schoolchapters.com/. Program staff are encouraged to choose the portfolio option that best utilizes the resources and fits the needs of their specific program. Specific guidelines, including checklists, for assembling the portfolios to meet requirements for evidence as part of the site visit are available at TORCH.
- Please note: NAEYC Assessors review evidence to ensure the intent of criteria and indicators are met; the rating does not include a judgment of the appearance of the portfolios. Over 2,000 programs have successfully achieved NAEYC Accreditation since portfolios were used as a source of evidence in 2006 and each has presented a unique approach to portfolio creation.
“… The gold standard of approval is accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children...” (Parents Magazine)
"I think one of the greatest advances to child care was the creation of the NAEYC Accreditation system, which has helped so much to raise the quality of programs."
-T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. , The Brazelton Institute
Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School |
"The primary gauge of quality has been accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children… whose seal of approval is regarded as the gold standard by parents, educators and facilities."
- The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2006 |
