You have chosen an early childhood program for your child that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC administers the largest and most widely recognized national, voluntary professionally sponsored accreditation system for all types of early childhood schools and child care centers. NAEYC is the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators.

What is Accreditation?

Early childhood programs accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAEYC's accreditation department)have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High-Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria. A copy of these criteria can be obtained from the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

What is a high-quality early childhood program

A high-quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. In accredited programs, you will see:

• frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults and children
• planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as block building, art, library time, dramatic play, and active outdoor play
• specially trained teachers
• enough adults to respond to individual children
• many varied age appropriate materials
• a healthy and safe environment for children
• nutritious meals and/or snacks
• regular communication with parents, who are welcome visitors at all times
• effective administration
• ongoing, systematic evaluation

To obtain a list of accredited programs, contact
NAEYC Accreditation
1509 16th Street, NW
Washington DC 20036-1426
1 (800) 424-2460, ext. 333
or visit the NAEYC accreditation webpage.

Accreditation is valid until the date indicated on the accreditation certificate (Located in the Preschool Office).

Written complaints about accredited programs should be sent to the accreditation department of NAEYC at the above address.

NAEYC and the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs are not affiliated with and are not responsible for the administration, acts, personnel, property, or practices of accredited programs, however if you have concerns about these issues please contact NAEYC in writing at the above address.