What is accreditation?

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) has provided an accreditation tool since 1987. It identifies family child care providers who strive to go beyond the minimum standards of care as defined by state and local regulations. Accredited providers consistently meet high standards of quality in their child care programs.

How can accreditation benefit me?

All accredited providers say they learn from accreditation. It increases providers' self-esteem and makes them feel more professional - less like babysitters. It keeps providers excited about their work. They realize that being a family child care provider is not something that just anyone can do well. Accredited providers also report that it helps them market their programs to parents.

Will accreditation make a difference to parents seeking child care?

While most parents are not yet requesting accredited providers, providers tell parents they are accredited and describe what it means. Parents seem impressed by accredited providers' commitment to the field. Providers feel that people see you the way you see yourself. If they feel confident about their programs, parents will notice.

What is involved in the accreditation process?

After completing the application process, providers engage in a self- study of the Quality Standards. During the self-study, providers reflect on professional practices, assess strengths, and set goals for professional development and quality improvement. The provider notifies the National Office when ready to demonstrate evidence of meeting the quality standards. NAFCC will assign an Observer who will work with the provider to schedule and complete a visit. The visit will include at least a four- hour observation and a one-hour interview. The provider will also complete a self-observation and distribute surveys to parents.

How is accreditation different from a CDA?

Research suggests that the two systems are complimentary. Providers who have gone through both systems report that one helped them achieve the other and that both systems offered them different opportunities for professional growth and development. While many of the standards in the two systems overlap, much of the content as well as the steps that a provider goes through are different. The CDA Credential applies to the provider, whereas NAFCC Accreditation applies to the provider(s) and the program. Accreditation is a self-paced process where the provider designs her or his own self-study and professional development plan. CDA requires specific coursework in most cases.

Do I have to have a center-like environment to become accredited?

No, the accreditation system has been designed to meet high standards of quality and yet respond to the special nature of family child care. Accredited programs may include all ages from infant to school age.

Am I eligible to apply for accreditation?

Providers must meet the following requirements: offer care to children in a home, be the primary caregiver (children are not left with a substitute for more than 20% of the time), be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have 18 months experience as a family child care provider, and have 65 hours of documented training (completed before the observation visit.)

How long will the accreditation process take to complete?

There is no time limit to the self-study process. Providers might take two months or two years to prepare for their Observation visit as suits their situations. Providers should expect accreditation to take 9-12 months to complete. The length of the process will vary depending on the kinds of training and quality improvements completed during self-study. Where possible, providers are encouraged to join training and support networks to help in this challenging endeavor.

How long will my accreditation certificate be good for?

Accreditation is valid for 3 years. Accredited providers maintain their accreditation status by submitting an annual report to NAFCC. They must re-apply for accreditation after 3 years.

How can I get started?

Contact NAFCC for an application packet at 1-800-359-3817. Complete the application forms and mail to NAFCC with the self-study fee. The accreditation fee is $495 for members of NAFCC. The first half of the fee is paid when the provider requests self-study materials. The second half of the fee is paid when the provider requests an Observer Visit.