Our Work
- For Educators
  Join or renew your membership and unlock unbeatable member benefits.
- For Families
  Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
- For Faculty and Students
  Learn about ECE degrees, explore professional standards, and join our faculty community of practice.
- For Advocates and Policymakers
  Engage with our policy agendas, advocacy resources, and current initiatives.
Resources
- Books
  Learn about and purchase the best books and resources to support young children's learning and development.
- Young Children
  Stay up to date with research-based, teacher-focused articles on birth to age 8 in our award-winning, peer-reviewed journal.
- Educating Young Children
  Read NAEYC's new member-exclusive magazine for early learning community and practice! (Access past issues of TYC here.)
- Professional Development
  Enhance your career and improve your knowledge, skills, and practices with our online training.
- Topics
  Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math.
- Blog
  Stay up-to-date on issues in early childhood education and hear perspectives from a wide range of educators.
- Position Statements
  Learn about NAEYC’s informed positions on significant issues affecting young children’s education and development.
Events
- Annual Conference
  Discover the latest research and best practices, and engage with our diverse community of professionals!
- Professional Learning Institute
  Ignite and fulfill your professional development goals!
- Public Policy Forum
  Join us at the members-only event and build your advocacy skills, expand your networks, and advance federal and state early childhood policy.
- Week of the Young Child
  Celebrate young children and their families with hands-on activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.
- Sponsor with NAEYC
  Find a sponsorship opportunity that’s right for you and help support early childhood educators, parents, and other professionals.
- Trainings & Webinars
  Deepen your professional knowledge wherever you are with NAEYC’s exciting webinar series and online and face-to-face training opportunities.
Accreditation
- Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation
  Discover the benefits of early childhood accreditation, learn about the s implified process, find support and resources for your program or login to the accreditation portal.
- Early Learning Accreditation Portal
  Login to the Early Learning Accreditation Portal to take charge of your accreditation process.
- Higher Education Accreditation
  Explore accreditation of early childhood higher education programs, discover the accreditation system standards, and view a list of accredited programs.
- Accreditation Research Databases
  Access accreditation data on early learning and higher education program characteristics and quality for research purposes.
Get Involved
- Learn about Membership
  Join your professional membership association, explore local Affiliates, and access unbeatable member benefits.
- Advance your Career
  Explore jobs in the Career Center and find higher education and professional development opportunities.
- Become an Advocate
  Develop grassroots efforts advancing early childhood in your community with these tools and resources.
- Join our Communities
  Say HELLO and discuss, network, and connect with our interest forums and online communities.
- Align with Us
  Support our mission and reach the NAEYC audience through your advertisement, conference exhibit booth, or sponsorship.
- Leadership Opportunities
  Become a leader in your professional association.
About Us
- People
  Read about NAEYC’s leadership, mission, values and beliefs, and strategic governance.
- Sponsor
  Become an organizational or corporate partner to inspire early childhood education at the local and national level.
- News and Updates
  Stay current on all things related to your professional association, from book releases to policy updates.
- Careers at NAEYC
  Join NAEYC’s team and help us advance the education of young children across the country.
- Donate
  Support access to high-quality early childhood education programs and opportunities and resources for educators.
- Contact Us
  Contact us with your questions-- we're here to help!
Search
Podcast

Popular Searches: DAP; Coping with COVID-19; E-books; Anti-Bias Education; Online Store

NC QRIS Modernization: Accreditation Is a Path to Top Tier

North Carolina State Capitol

You are here

North Carolina now recognizes national accreditation as a pathway within the Star Rated License system. NAEYC accreditation helps programs demonstrate quality, strengthen practice, and align with the state’s highest standards.

Why This Matters Now

North Carolina’s QRIS modernization gives programs multiple pathways to demonstrate quality. Accreditation provides a nationally recognized option that aligns with the state’s expectations while supporting ongoing improvement.

How NAEYC Supports Program Leaders

A research-based quality framework trusted nationwide
Continuous improvement focused on children, educators, and families
Support for leadership, staff practice, and program systems
A clear, credible signal of quality for families and communities

Next Steps Toward Accreditation

Whether you are just beginning or actively pursuing higher quality recognition, NAEYC accreditation provides a structured, supported path forward.

Learn More About Accreditation Talk to an Accreditation Specialist

Audience: Administrator (director or principal)