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State Policies on Accreditation and Prekindergarten

State Prekindergarten Programs that Require Center-Based Early Care and Education Program Accreditation

(April 2005)

State Prekindergarten Programs that Require Center-Based Early Care and Education Program Accreditation (February 2007)


State

Applicable Programs

Comments

Arizona

Pre-K

Programs that currently receive pre-k funds through the Early Childhood Block Grant must be accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. If a program did not receive funds during the previous year, it must have documentation showing that the accreditation process has started and it must become accredited within 18 months. Includes NAEYC accreditation.

Arkansas

Arkansas Better Chance (ABC)

Programs must be accredited by the Arkansas Childhood Accreditation/Quality Approval System or by NAEYC.

Connecticut

School Readiness Programs

Programs must be accredited by NAEYC and complete that process within three years of being awarded funds, or be approved by Head Start, or meet the criteria in the Connecticut Standards for Preschool and Readiness Programs.

Iowa

Iowa Shared Visions

Programs must be accredited by NAEYC.

Maryland

Programs that receive Judy Hoyer Center grants and enhancement grants.

Programs must have obtained or pursue accreditation by a national accrediting body (including NAEYC), or the state, within 18 months.

Massachusetts

UPK Pilot Program

Center- and school-based programs that are receiving UPK Pilot funds must meet selected quality criteria, which can include NAEYC accreditation.

Missouri

Missouri Preschool Project

Programs must document annual progress towards Missouri Accreditation or NAEYC accreditation, with completion of accreditation by the third year.