Extension Request Form
Extensions FAQs

A program may request a one-time extension if it experiences a temporary operational disruption or other disruption that significantly impacts its ability to meet Application, Candidacy, or Annual Report due dates; or its ability to submit to a site visit.

Extensions due to Temporary Operational Disruptions

The NAEYC Academy defines a temporary operational disruption as a time-limited event (not to exceed 30 days) that inhibits or prevents a program from providing its established services.  Operational disruptions considered for granting extensions include, but are not limited to:

• Human-made disasters (i.e. flooding due to plumbing issues, vandalism, renovations beyond the control of the program)
• Serious weather events (i.e. hurricane or tornado)

Extensions due to Other Disruptions

The NAEYC Academy understands that a program may experience other disruptions that significantly impact its ability to meet a submission due date or submit to a site visit, even if the disruption does not prevent the program from providing its established services.  Other disruptions considered for granting extensions include, but are not limited to:

• Death of administrator, child, or staff member 
• Health emergency of Primary or Secondary Contact (ie: cancer, major surgery, family tragedy)
• Military deployments affecting a significant portion of families served by the program
• Serious financial hardship (i.e. sudden loss of funding or the temporary inability to pay accreditation fees) (effective March 17, 2010)

Changes in administration and/or teaching staff are not grounds for requesting an extension.

Review of Extension Requests

The NAEYC Academy reviews each extension request on a case-by-case basis to determine three factors: 1) the severity of the disruption; 2) its impact on the program's ability to continue its services; and 3) the program's ability to meet NAEYC's Accreditation requirements.

In determining whether to grant an extension, the NAEYC Academy considers the following elements:

• reason for the extension
• length of the extension 
• current accreditation status
• program history

The NAEYC Academy provides a written extension decision within 3-4 weeks of the extension request submission date.  Extensions are granted on a very limited, case-by-case basis.