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NAEYC Accreditation
Empower your program's success! Equip your program with the tools to provide the best learning experiences for young children and provide the highest quality professional preparation of educators by meeting national standards of quality.
The New Early Learning Program Accreditation System is Here!
Say hello to the brand-new NAEYC Accreditation system. Say goodbye to the enrollment, application, and candidacy process. Portfolios will be 100% digital and you will move through new Accreditation tiers at a pace that works for your program.
Learn more!
"I know it is a lot of work, but in the long run, your center, your children and your families will reap the benefits."
– Diane Rudash, Director of Lasting Impressions Child Development Center
“It’s great to have a consensus (NAEYC Accreditation) throughout the field.”
– Alissa Levey Baugh, Director, Early Childhood Services
NAEYC accreditation has long set the national standard for high-quality early learning programs. Now, with the updated Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system, we’ve made it even more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with best practices—all while maintaining the rigorous quality standards families, educators, and key decision-makers rely on.
Whether you’re a program seeking accreditation, an educator looking for quality resources, or a researcher interested in accreditation data, NAEYC provides the tools, guidance, and leadership to help you navigate the process and achieve meaningful outcomes for young children.
Search for accredited early learning programs near you
Access your program’s accreditation record
Request research data on accreditation trends
What’s New?
The updated Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system makes accreditation more inclusive, efficient, and aligned with the evolving needs of early learning programs.
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Three Tiers of Recognition – A flexible approach allowing programs to enter at different levels and progress over time.
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Simplified Process – Reducing documentation burdens and eliminating redundancies.
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Stronger Alignment – Fully integrated with Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and early learning quality frameworks.
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New Digital Platform – A more intuitive portal to guide programs through every stage of the process.
Why Accreditation?
Accreditation signals to families, educators, and policymakers that a program prioritizes high-quality learning experiences and continuous improvement. With the Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system, we’re ensuring that more programs can engage in this process and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
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For Programs: Strengthens your ability to meet the highest quality standards, enhancing professional growth and program reputation.
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For Educators & Staff: Provides a structured framework for improving teaching practices, collaboration, and professional recognition.
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For Families & Communities: Ensures that children receive engaging, developmentally appropriate, and high-quality early learning experiences.
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For Policymakers & Advocates: Establishes a national benchmark for early learning quality that supports systemic improvements across states and regions.