NAEYC Resources for Self Study and Self Assessment

You told us that you wanted to more easily access all of the information about NAEYC Accreditation. We listened and created The Online Resource Center Headquarters (TORCH) to support program quality improvement through NAEYC Accreditation for Early Childhood Programs.

What is TORCH?
TORCH includes resources for early childhood programs in all steps of the NAEYC accreditation process.  At TORCH, you can:

• Search for criteria, FAQs, and Additional Resources by keyword.
• View a calendar of important NAEYC due dates and chart your own due dates on a personalized calendar
• Access valuable NAEYC resources and link to other helpful websites
• Submit questions directly to the NAEYC Academy Information Center

Instructions for accessing TORCH:

1. Go to http://lms.naeyc.org/icohere/torch
2. Enter Login: naeyc; Password: naeyc and click Submit
3. You'll see "Welcome to TORCH" and the NAEYC Accreditation logo. Click on continue.
4. Enter your new individual login ID. Click continue.
5. Select your time zone using the drop down box. Click continue.
6. Change your password. Click continue.
7. Enter your profile information. Click submit.

**Please remember to use your new login ID and password the next time you login.

Welcome to a special new section of the NAEYC Web site for programs in self-study. This page is designed to support early childhood programs engaged in the NAEYC self-study process -- whether as a step toward applying for NAEYC Accreditation, or as part of your overall program improvement efforts. Included is an index of current forms and information about NAEYC Accreditation, resources to help you communicate a about the value of NAEYC Accreditation, and tips for the self-study process.

Once your program has been accepted as an Applicant, your program must complete a formal Self Assessment. This assessment will require your program to complete the Self Assessment staff and family surveys, conduct observations of each classroom and finalize your Program and Classroom portfolios. The information gathered during Self Assessment will be used to complete your Candidacy Materials. Click here for more information about Step 2. For further questions about the difference between Self Study and Self Assessment, please contact the NAEYC Academy Information Center by email at accreditation.information@naeyc.org or by phone at 800-424-2460 and press 3.

Current Forms and Information about NAEYC Accreditation

Use this index to be sure that you are using the latest version of forms and information released about NAEYC Accreditation.

Web information (Click the file type to access the document in the format you prefer.)

Resources to communicate the value of NAEYC Accreditation

The following resources are designed to help you communicate about the value of NAEYC Accreditation with different audiences -- including families, staff, policymakers, business leaders, and foundations in your community, among others.

• NAEYC Accreditation: The Right Choice for Kids -- these family-friendly brochures (available in English and Español) are especially helpful for introducing parents -- and other audiences -- to NAEYC Accreditation. They can help you show families why your program is seeking NAEYC Accreditation, and encourage them to get involved in the self-study process. (Programs that are currently NAEYC-accredited can also customize the brochures with a program logo, and use them to promote their accreditation.)
• NAEYC Accreditation: Stats and Facts -- a one-page fact sheet about NAEYC Accreditation, and the new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria.
• NAEYC Accreditation: Then and Now -- this one-page flyer highlights important changes that have been made to ensure that the new NAEYC Accreditation system is more reliable and accountable, and that NAEYC Accreditation remains the mark of quality in early childhood education.
• A new section of our Web site -- www.rightchoiceforkids.org -- provides another useful way to let families and other audiences know that NAEYC Accreditation and NAEYC-accredited programs are the right choice for kids.

Quality New York has a new brief, "Making the Case for Supporting NAEYC Accreditation." The brief is focused on children and programs in New York City, but it may be a helpful tool for communicating with policymakers and other stakeholders in your community or state, or you may find it useful as you prepare your own materials.

Tips that may help your program in self-study:

• Talk to other program administrators who have engaged in self-study and achieved NAEYC Accreditation. You can find a list of NAEYC-accredited programs in your area on the NAEYC-accredited program search page.
• Connect with an Accreditation Facilitation Project in your area. These projects have a wide range of programs and supports to encourage early childhood programs as they pursue self-study.
• Contact your local, state or regional NAEYC affiliate for information about networking, facilitation, and possible support. In addition, consider talking with the child care resource and referral agency in your community about assistance they may provide.
• Form a “buddy” group with other programs in your community to work on self-study as well as to share experiences and motivate one another.
• Register for the free Accreditation E-Update to get a regular e-mail from the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation with the latest news and information about NAEYC Accreditation.