National Association
for Education of
Young Children
NAEYC is the gold standard for early childhood
education accreditation with the benefits
being threefold:
CHILDREN
Every child deserves access to high-quality early learning experiences. NAEYC-accredited early learning programs are exceptionally well equipped and meticulously measured for indicators of quality in the classroom and beyond. From guidelines for teacher preparation through safety standards, NAEYC Accreditation ensures that programs are safe, well prepared, and intentional about ensuring children’s success. As a reputable indicator of quality, NAEYC Accreditation correlates with children’s greater readiness and success in school and beyond; increased educational attainment rates; and overall healthier lifestyles.
TEACHING STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION
As a facilitator of quality-improvement initiatives in classrooms across the country, NAEYC Accreditation is dedicated to ensuring that teaching staff and administrators have access to the latest research and use the best practices in the early learning field. With over 7,000 accredited programs nationwide, NAEYC offers new programs pursuing accreditation access to a vast network of high-quality accredited programs and research to learn from. Staff at NAEYC-accredited programs report enhanced team spirit and commitment to workplace success resulting from the self-study and preparation processes for accreditation. By ensuring that all aspects of their work environment meet NAEYC’s research-based program standards and criteria, staff have a direct hand in establishing their professional environment and contributing to its success.
ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Below you will find more information regarding the steps for becoming and maintaining your NAEYC Accreditation. Just identify where in the process you are, follow the arrows, and review the information for each step to the side. NAEYC accreditation also utilizes a very specific timeline. Each step of accreditation defines the timeline for the next step. For instance, the first step “Enroll and Conduct Self-Study” is limited to two years. So, in applying for step one, you agree “Apply and Conduct Self-Assessment” within two years. Use the table below the graphic to identify the right timeline for you!
Need more information?
Follow the link below directly to the NAEYC website and read more!
https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning/interested
NAEYC EARLY LEARNING PORTAL
AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 2018, all NAEYC Early Learning Accreditation paperwork is available digitally on the NAEYC Early Learning Accreditation Portal.
For more information on log-in credentials, please visit here. You can also view the videos below.
Watch a video about how to create an Account.
Watch a video about how to verify Account Status.
Watch Welcome to the Accreditation Portal video.
AS OF JANUARY 31, 2019, all NAEYC Early Learning Accreditation documentation MUST be submitted through the NAEYC Early Learning Accreditation Portal.
Having trouble with the early learning portal?
If you still have questions or need guidance, we recommend contacting NAEYC Midwest Technical Assistant Consultant, Keisha Spates. Keisha can provider your guidance over the phone or can come to your facility and provide you or your staff with training in any area of the accreditation process.
Schedule a consultation or conversation with Keisha.
NAEYC ACCREDITATION SUPPORT
The process for becoming NAEYC accredited is not easy, but anything worthwhile is worth the work. NAEYC and Indiana AEYC want to make that work as easy as possible and have provided tons of resources. From slideshows to trainings to on-site technical assistance, we have it all below!
NAEYC now offers a myriad of tools and supports for FREE to the public, including all Self-Study materials to prepare your program for the first step of Enrollment before you pay! Just link the link below for support from the experts at NAEYC.
Still Have Questions? Contact the NAEYC Academy.
Phone: 1-800-424-2460, option 3, option 1
Email: accreditation.information@naeyc.org
Website: https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning-program-accreditation