Q1:  Can the Application be faxed or submitted online? 

 NAEYC requires that the Application and full payment be submitted to NAEYC by mail to the post office box indicated on the Application.  Applications submitted via fax or email will not be accepted at this time.  NAEYC accepts the postmark date of the Application as the submission date.  NAEYC recommends that programs obtain written confirmation of receipt of all forms sent to NAEYC P.O. Boxes.  Please discuss tracking options with your local Post Office.  NAEYC is not able to sign for materials that are delivered to a P.O. Box by an individual courier such as UPS or FedEx. 

Q2: If a program is exempt from state licensing, does the program have to be licensed to pursue NAEYC Accreditation?

The eligibility requirements state that programs must be regulated by the appropriate licensing/regulatory body.  A program that is not regulated by a public agency and is exempt from state licensing must pursue a state license unless it is legally prohibited from doing so.  A program that is not regulated by a public agency, is exempt from state licensing, and is legally prohibited from obtaining a state license must voluntarily comply with the state licensing requirements as noted in the eligibility requirements.

Q3:  How does the selection of the Candidacy due date in the Application affect the timing of a program’s site visit?

Programs that are accepted as Candidates will receive a site visit within 6 months of the Candidacy due date selected in the Application.  For specific information about notification and timing of the site visit, refer to the Site Visit Protocol.

Q4: Can programs that close or operate at a reduced enrollment for a portion of the 6 months immediately following an available Candidacy due date still choose that Candidacy due date in the Application?

A program must be in operation at a level in which the site visit can be conducted for at least three of the six months following the Candidacy due date.  For a site visit to be conducted, at least one group of each of the following age categories that a program serves must be in session.  

• Infant:  birth to 15 months
• Toddler/Two: 12-36 months
• Preschool:  30 months - 5 years 
• Kindergarten:  enrolled in a public or private kindergarten

Specific information to schedule the site visit will be collected from all programs in the Application and Candidacy Materials.

If your questions are not addressed on this website, reference the FAQ Master Document or contact Accreditation Program Support for assistance.