accreditation

Our nation has become aware of the need for quality early childhood programs. More and more parents are seeking out such programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers early childhood programs the opportunity to be work towards a quality program and to be recognized for their achievements.

There are currently 22 early childhood programs accredited in Macomb County, serving 20,508 children. That number continues to grow. Congratulations to all of you. Macomb AEYC recognizes your accomplishments.

Accreditation through NAEYC involves a self study process. Teachers, administrators, parents and support staff are involved in the evaluation and improvement process. NAEYC accreditation signifies a commitment to providing a high quality early childhood program.

NAEYC is currently revising the criteria and process for accreditation. The new guidelines will be “unrolled” at the conference in Washington D.C. in December.

For more information concerning accreditation, go to www.naeyc.org and click on “Accreditation.” As more information is passed on to affiliates, we will update this page.

If you have questions about accreditation, are in need of a professional to assist you in the process, or have questions in general regarding NAEYC, you may contact the Accreditation Chairman for Macomb AEYC, Brenda Alward, at alwardb@macomb.edu. She will be happy to work with your program.

1.   Programs must be licensed by the appropriate state/local agency, or exempt from licensing, demonstrate compliance.

2.   Programs must serve a minimum of 10 children within the age group of birth through eight, with at least two adults present at all times. Before and after school programs are eligible as long as the majority of children are eight years old or younger.

3.   Program must be in operation at least one year prior to receiving a validation visit.

4.   All eligible portions of the program must be included in the process. For example, a program that serves infant through school age, (before and after school) must include all age groups in the Early Childhood Program Description.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN
ACCREDITATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN
CENTER ACCREDITATION

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR ACCREDITED PROGRAMS
With the changes in accreditation procedures, there is also a cost increase. NAEYC recognizes that many programs have not budgeted for these additional costs. NAEYC is offering scholarships to CURRENTLY accredited programs to help defray the cost of annual reports and verification visits. Go to www.naeyc.org accreditation page and click on “Scholarship Applications for Accredited Programs.” This will give you all of the requirements for the scholarship and the application.

FOUR-STEP FRAMEWORK FOR ACCREDITATION

1. ENROLL IN SELF-STUDY
            Programs can purchase the self-study materials. Programs that wish to simply work towards improving their quality, but who will never seek accreditation, may also purchase these materials.

2. BECOPME AN APPLICANT
            After completing the initial self-study, programs must submit a “Notification of Intent.” This informs NAEYC that you intend to complete a formal self-assessment within one year. Programs must meet eligibility requirements.

3. BECOME A CANDIDATE
            Upon completion of the formal self-assessment, the program will request an on-site visit. The formal self-assessment and other related NAEYC forms must be submitted.

4. MEETING THE PROGRAM STANDARDS
An “assessor” (they are no longer called “validators”) will come out to visit your program. They will be assessing your program based on the NAEYC Accreditation Performance Criteria. No program is expected to meet the over 400 criteria, however, programs will be expected to meet all 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards. During the on-site visit, and through documentation, programs will show they meet a majority of the criteria related to each standard.

NEW POLICIES IN NAEYC ACCREDITATION

1. ANNUAL REPORTS
         All accredited programs will be required to submit a report annually. Failure to submit a report may be grounds for accreditation being revoked. If there is significant change, NAEYC may feel it is necessary to make a visit to the program to ensure quality is being maintained.

2. RANDOM UNANNOUNCED VISITS
         NAEYC will now conduct “Random Unannounced Visits” to accredited programs. If a program is found to not be in compliance with the accreditation standards and criteria, their accreditation may be revoked. This is essential for the accreditation system to maintain its integrity and accountability.

3. NEW TERM OF ACCREDITATION
         Programs will be granted a five year term instead of three years.

4. 15 DAY WINDOW FOR SCHEDULING VISITS
         Programs will be given a 15 day window in which an on-site visit may take place.

5. NOTIFYING PROGRAMS ONE DAY PRIOR TO VISIT
               Programs will now be notified only one day prior to their on-site visit.

6. NEW FEE STRUCTURE
               Visit the web site for a look at the new fees associated with NAEYC Accreditation.

Michigan has 220 accredited centers, serving 20,508 children