Many people only know about NAEYC Accreditation for programs serving young children.  NAEYC also accredits the programs that prepare teachers and other professionals to work in the programs and classrooms serving young children.

At the bachelors and graduate degree level, NAEYC works with NCATE the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) to review the early childhood programs at four-year colleges and universities.  NAEYC-trained reviewers who are faculty in other early childhood programs evaluate program reports to determine whether a program meets NAEYC's five standards of professional preparation. If a program meets the standards and receives National Recognition, and if the institution goes on to be accredited by NCATE, the program has received a nationally known mark of quality.