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The National Association for Family Child
Care (NAFCC) has provided an accreditation tool since
1987. It identifies family child care providers who
strive to go beyond the minimum standards of care as
defined by state and local regulations. Accredited providers
consistently meet high standards of quality in their
child care programs. |
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All accredited providers say they learn
from accreditation. It increases providers' self-esteem
and makes them feel more professional - less like babysitters.
It keeps providers excited about their work. They realize
that being a family child care provider is not something
that just anyone can do well. Accredited providers also
report that it helps them market their programs to parents.
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Will accreditation make a difference
to parents seeking child care?
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While most parents are not yet requesting
accredited providers, providers tell parents they are
accredited and describe what it means. Parents seem
impressed by accredited providers' commitment to the
field. Providers feel that people see you the way you
see yourself. If they feel confident about their programs,
parents will notice. |
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After completing the application process,
providers engage in a self- study of the Quality Standards.
During the self-study, providers reflect on professional
practices, assess strengths, and set goals for professional
development and quality improvement. The provider notifies
the National Office when ready to demonstrate evidence
of meeting the quality standards. NAFCC will assign
an Observer who will work with the provider to schedule
and complete a visit. The visit will include at least
a four- hour observation and a one-hour interview. The
provider will also complete a self-observation and distribute
surveys to parents. |
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Research suggests that the two systems
are complimentary. Providers who have gone through both
systems report that one helped them achieve the other
and that both systems offered them different opportunities
for professional growth and development. While many
of the standards in the two systems overlap, much of
the content as well as the steps that a provider goes
through are different. The CDA Credential applies to
the provider, whereas NAFCC Accreditation applies to
the provider(s) and the program. Accreditation is a
self-paced process where the provider designs her or
his own self-study and professional development plan.
CDA requires specific coursework in most cases. |
Do I have to have a center-like environment
to become accredited?
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No, the accreditation system has been
designed to meet high standards of quality and yet respond
to the special nature of family child care. Accredited
programs may include all ages from infant to school
age. |
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Providers must meet the following requirements:
offer care to children in a home, be the primary caregiver
(children are not left with a substitute for more than
20% of the time), be at least 21 years old, have a high
school diploma or GED, have 18 months experience as
a family child care provider, and have 65 hours of documented
training (completed before the observation visit.) |
How long will the accreditation process
take to complete?
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There is no time limit to the self-study
process. Providers might take two months or two years
to prepare for their Observation visit as suits their
situations. Providers should expect accreditation to
take 9-12 months to complete. The length of the process
will vary depending on the kinds of training and quality
improvements completed during self-study. Where possible,
providers are encouraged to join training and support
networks to help in this challenging endeavor. |
How long will my accreditation certificate
be good for?
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Accreditation is valid for 3 years. Accredited
providers maintain their accreditation status by submitting
an annual report to NAFCC. They must re-apply for accreditation
after 3 years. |
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Contact NAFCC for an application packet
at 1-800-359-3817. Complete the application forms and
mail to NAFCC with the self-study fee. The accreditation
fee is $495 for members of NAFCC. The first half of
the fee is paid when the provider requests self-study
materials. The second half of the fee is paid when the
provider requests an Observer Visit. |
