51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Setting the National Standard for High-Quality Early LearningÌý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Early Learning Program Quality Assessment and Accreditation system is designed to support continuous improvement for all early learning settings. Whether you are leading a center-based program, a family child care home, or a multi-site provider, this system provides a structured yet flexible pathway to achieve and maintain high-quality learning environments.Ìý

Accreditation signals to families, educators, and policymakers that a program is committed to excellence, research-based practices, and ongoing professional development—helping to strengthen the field of early childhood education nationwide.Ìý

Why Choose Accreditation?Ìý

Accreditation offers early learning programs a recognized mark of quality, demonstrating commitment to best practices and continuous improvement. The benefits include:Ìý

• Recognition of Quality – Accreditation signals that your program meets high standards in curriculum, teaching, and family engagement.ÌýÌý
• Stronger Family & Community Trust – Families and communities look for accredited programs when making decisions about early learning.ÌýÌý
• Professional Growth & Development – Programs receive resources and feedback to enhance educator practice and strengthen leadership.ÌýÌýÌý
• Alignment with Quality Systems – Many state early learning systems, QRIS frameworks, and funding opportunities recognize or require accreditation.

How Our Accreditation Works: The Tiered ModelÌý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s accreditation model features three progressive tiers, ensuring more programs can engage, improve, and demonstrate their commitment to quality.Ìý

• Recognition – A foundational tier that establishes key policies and structures to build a high-quality learning environment.Ìý
• Accreditation – A full accreditation tier that includes quality assurance measures and a review of policies, structures, and practices with potential site visits.Ìý
• Accreditation+ – The highest accountability tier, including mandatory site visits, ongoing review, and additional quality benchmarks.ÌýÌý

Programs can move through these tiers at their own pace—building toward Accreditation and Accreditation+ as they strengthen their practice.ÌýÌý

Who Can Apply for Accreditation?Ìý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø Accreditation is open toÌýany early learning program that is licensed or registered by their official regulatory body.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø accreditation is flexible and adaptable— designed to support programs of all types, sizes, and teaching philosophies in demonstrating high-quality practices, including:

• Center-Based Early Learning Programs (including Head Start, faith-based, and non-profit centers)Ìý
• Public and Private School Districts
• Family Child Care HomesÌý
• Nature-Based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia & Other Specialized ProgramsÌý
• Multi-Site Early Learning Organizations & NetworksÌý

Research-Based Standards: A Commitment to ExcellenceÌý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø Accreditation is grounded in research and aligns with Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) to ensure high-quality, age-appropriate learning experiences. Accreditation standards focus on:Ìý

• Teaching & Curriculum – Supporting effective, inclusive, and research-based approaches in early childhood education.Ìý
• Family & Community Engagement – Strengthening partnerships between programs, families, and communities.Ìý
• Program Leadership & Continuous Improvement – Supporting strong leadership, professional development, and ongoing reflection.Ìý

Read more: Early Learning Program Standards Position Statement

What’s New in Accreditation?Ìý

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s revamped Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system is more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with high-quality practices.Ìý

• Simplified Process – Reduced documentation and improved digital tools.Ìý
• More Inclusive Criteria – Designed for diverse program types, including family child care.Ìý
• Continuous Improvement Pathways – Three-tiered approach helps programs start, grow, and sustain quality over time.Ìý

Learn more: Introducing Our Revamped Accreditation System

Getting Started: Next StepsÌý

• Have Questions? → Visit FAQs & ResourcesÌýor Contact Us at 800-424-2460