About NAEYC Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation

Setting the National Standard for High-Quality Early Learning

NAEYC’s Early Learning Program Quality Assessment and Accreditation system is designed to support continuous improvement for all early learning settings. Whether you are leading a center-based program, a family child care home, or a multi-site provider, this system provides a structured yet flexible pathway to achieve and maintain high-quality learning environments.

Accreditation signals to families, educators, and policymakers that a program is committed to excellence, research-based practices, and ongoing professional development—helping to strengthen the field of early childhood education nationwide.

Why Choose Accreditation?

Accreditation offers early learning programs a recognized mark of quality, demonstrating commitment to best practices and continuous improvement. The benefits include:

Recognition of Quality – Accreditation signals that your program meets high standards in curriculum, teaching, and family engagement.
Stronger Family & Community Trust – Families and communities look for accredited programs when making decisions about early learning.
Professional Growth & Development – Programs receive resources and feedback to enhance educator practice and strengthen leadership.
Alignment with Quality Systems – Many state early learning systems, QRIS frameworks, and funding opportunities recognize or require accreditation.

How Our Accreditation Works: The Tiered Model

NAEYC’s accreditation model features three progressive tiers, ensuring more programs can engage, improve, and demonstrate their commitment to quality.

Recognition – A foundational tier that establishes key policies and structures to build a high-quality learning environment.
Accreditation – A full accreditation tier that includes quality assurance measures and a review of policies, structures, and practices with potential site visits.
Accreditation+ – The highest accountability tier, including mandatory site visits, ongoing review, and additional quality benchmarks.

Programs can move through these tiers at their own pace—building toward Accreditation and Accreditation+ as they strengthen their practice.

Who Can Apply for Accreditation?

NAEYC Accreditation is open to any early learning program that is licensed or registered by their official regulatory body.

NAEYC accreditation is flexible and adaptable— designed to support programs of all types, sizes, and teaching philosophies in demonstrating high-quality practices, including:

Center-Based Early Learning Programs (including Head Start, faith-based, and non-profit centers)
Public and Private School Districts
Family Child Care Homes
Nature-Based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia & Other Specialized Programs
Multi-Site Early Learning Organizations & Networks

Research-Based Standards: A Commitment to Excellence

NAEYC Accreditation is grounded in research and aligns with Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) to ensure high-quality, age-appropriate learning experiences. Accreditation standards focus on:

Teaching & Curriculum – Supporting effective, inclusive, and research-based approaches in early childhood education.
Family & Community Engagement – Strengthening partnerships between programs, families, and communities.
Program Leadership & Continuous Improvement – Supporting strong leadership, professional development, and ongoing reflection.

What’s New in Accreditation?

NAEYC’s revamped Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system is more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with high-quality practices.

Simplified Process – Reduced documentation and improved digital tools.
More Inclusive Criteria – Designed for diverse program types, including family child care.
Continuous Improvement Pathways – Three-tiered approach helps programs start, grow, and sustain quality over time.

Learn more: Introducing Our Revamped Accreditation System