Q1: Is the reaccreditation process different for a currently-accredited program than it is for a program that is not currently accredited or seeking accreditation for the first time?

For currently accredited programs accredited prior to September 16, 2006 the four-step reaccreditation process is the same as the four steps for initial accreditation. Currently accredited programs should consider reaccreditation submission dates established by NAEYC to avoid a lapse in NAEYC Accreditation. Read more about reaccreditation and plan your program's timeline for reaccreditation.

Information about reaccreditation for programs accredited after September 16, 2006 will be shared via the Accreditation E-Update and this website.

Q2: Are currently accredited programs required to adhere to the Application due date in the timeline for currently accredited programs?

Currently accredited programs that are willing to experience a lapse in their NAEYC Accreditation are not required to adhere to the deadlines published in the timeline for currently accredited programs. If these programs need additional time to complete their Self-Study and Self-Assessment, they may pursue reaccreditation following the general submission dates, but doing so will result in a lapse in the program's NAEYC Accreditation

Q3: Does a Candidacy due date need to be selected in the Application by a currently accredited program that is working to meet deadlines in the timeline for currently accredited programs?

Yes. Currently accredited programs that wish to avoid a lapse in their NAEYC Accreditation must select a Candidacy due date that is no later than the Candidacy due date assigned to the program in the timeline for currently accredited programs. This essential information must be included in the program's Application and submitted within the date range indicated for the Application in the timeline for currently accredited programs.

Currently accredited programs that are willing to experience a lapse in their NAEYC Accreditation are not required to adhere to the deadlines published in the timeline for currently accredited programs. If these programs need additional time to complete their Self-Study and Self-Assessment, they may select any of the three available Candidacy due dates in the Application, but doing so will result in a lapse in the program's NAEYC Accreditation.

Q4: Must programs that are working towards reaccreditation submit the Annual Report on the fourth anniversary of their accreditation?

Unless a program chooses a Candidacy due date earlier than is indicated in the timeline for currently accredited programs, it is still required to submit an Annual Report on its program's fourth anniversary of accreditation.

The Candidacy Materials for reaccreditation are accepted in lieu of the Annual Report for a program's fourth anniversary of accreditation if they are submitted before or during a program's fourth anniversary Annual Report submission window. Because fees are amortized over a program's 5-year term of accreditation, the Annual Report fee is NOT waived and must be submitted within the Annual Report submission window in addition to the Candidacy fee due upon submission of the Candidacy Materials. Programs that wish to submit the Candidacy Materials for reaccreditation in lieu of the fourth anniversary Annual Report should contact Accreditation Program Support if they wish to exercise this option.

Q5: When will programs that follow the reaccreditation submission deadlines in the timeline for currently accredited programs receive the extension to their current accreditation?

If a program has met the submission deadlines established by the NAEYC Academy in the timeline for currently accredited programs, its automatic extension will be sent to the primary and secondary contacts of a program via email and mail at the end of the month in which the program's accreditation expires.

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