| Since 1985, NAEYC has offered a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and to help families identify high-quality programs. Today, NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. Over 6,500 child care programs, preschools, early learning centers, and other center- or school-based early childhood education programs are currently NAEYC-Accredited. These programs provide high quality care and education to nearly one million young children in the United States, its territories, and programs affiliated with the United States Department of Defense. |
The following groups within NAEYC contribute to NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children.
- NAEYC Academy - implements the NAEYC accreditation process
- NAEYC Assessors - conduct site visits
- Accreditation Program Support - supports programs throughout the accreditation process
- Council for NAEYC Accreditation - ensures the equity, integrity, and accountability of the NAEYC Academy
