Have you been asked by a parent whether your program is accredited? For years parents have sought out a recommendation or "Seal of Approval" for child care - some way to help them find truly excellent programs. Today this help is available to parents in the form of accreditation, and they are becoming more aware of this service and what it means. So if you haven't been asked whether your program is accredited, you will be in the very near future. Accreditation is a wonderful marketing tool. This award sets your center/school apart as one recognized for high quality programming and superior services.

Another good reason to begin working toward accreditation is the financial value to your program. If your center is an NCCA member and also accredited by NECPA, you qualify for a 10% discount on your property and casualty insurance through THOMCO/Frontier Insurance Company! Many states either offer a higher reimbursement rate for low-income children in accredited programs or are considering doing so in the coming year. A number of states also fund the enrollment fees for programs seeking accreditation. And parents expect to pay more for care in accredited programs - after all it is high-quality care.

The best reason for seeking accreditation is that it will make your program better. If you love to learn and are always striving for ways to improve your center/school, you will find that the accreditation self-assessment process is one of the best ways to do this. No one knows it all. We can all learn from our colleagues, and some of the best minds and most experienced teachers and administrators in the country have helped to develop the NECPA accreditation.

Any licensed preschool or child care center that has been in operation under the same ownership for at least one year is eligible to earn the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. When you enroll your program in NECPA, you will be sent a self-assessment book, and surveys for your parents, staff, and children. When you involve all of your teachers, children, and parents in this process, you'll help build loyalty and enthusiasm and support for your school while reaching for a recognition all of you can be proud of. When you have made all the changes in your program that you wish based on the self-assessment, a Verifier will visit your program to document your answers. This information will be reviewed by the National Accreditation Council and the NECPA Commission for an accreditation decision. Remember, accreditation is awarded only to the finest preschools and child care programs, but the NECPA staff is dedicated to helping you achieve this award. Our goal is your success!v

Typically, the complete accreditation process takes about a year. If you already meet every standard and find that you do not have to implement any new programs or develop any new policies or change your physical facility in any way, you could become accredited in as little as six months. Most centers take at least a year. So the time is ripe for you to get started! Soon you may be missing out on important benefits available only to accredited programs.

The accreditation fee is based on the size of the program as evidenced by the licensed capacity. The fee can be paid in two installments. The application fee must be paid when application is made for accreditation. All the materials necessary to begin the accreditation process will be sent to you when your application is received. The verification fee which does include travel expense of $500.00 is due when you have completed the self-assessment and surveyed your staff and parents. Payment of this fee will alert the NECPA Commission to arrange for a verifier to visit your center/school.

Fee schedule applies to program applications received on or after January 2, 2006.

The accreditation fee is based on the size of the program as evidenced by the licensed capacity. The fee can be paid in two installments. The application fee must be paid when application is made for accreditation. All the materials necessary to begin the accreditation process will be sent to you when your application is received. The verification fee which does include travel expense of $500.00 is due when you have completed the self-assessment and surveyed your staff and parents. Payment of this fee will alert the NECPA Commission to arrange for a verifier to visit your center/school.