Decision

The NAFCC Accreditation Commission is responsible for accreditation decisions. The Commission reviews documentation and supporting information from the observer, the candidate, and the parent surveys in making the decision about the candidate's accreditation status.

Click here to learn more about the commission.

Accreditation is awarded to candidates who meet all NAFCC required (starred)standards and a pre-determined percentage of standards in each of the following observer workbook areas; Routines, Relationships, Developmental Learning Activities, Environment, Records, and Self-Certified Standards.

Within 12 weeks (typically) of receiving materials from both the candidate and the observer, NAFCC notifies the candidate by mail of the accreditation decision.

There are 3 possible accreditation decisions.

Accreditation Award
Conditional Award
Deferral of Accreditation

Accreditation Award

Candidates who are awarded NAFCC Accreditation receive a Certificate of Accreditation that is valid for 3 years. In order to maintain NAFCC Accreditation for the full term, candidates must submit annual renewals on or before their accreditation anniversary. Should annual renewals not be submitted in a timely manner or licensing or other regulatory status not be in good standing, NAFCC Accreditation may be revoked.

Conditional Award

A candidate may be awarded conditional accreditation when the NAFCC Accreditation Commission determines that additional information is necessary to make a decision. The candidate is notified by mail regarding the specific additional information required and must submit the required documentation within 8 weeks of the conditional award date. The decision about the final accreditation decision is mailed within one month of receipt of the additional documentation.

Deferral of Accreditation

When the commission determines that a candidate does not meet a sufficient number of the standards to demonstrate high quality care, accreditation is deferred for one year. This allows candidates to reassess their programs and spend additional time making the changes necessary to meet the quality standards.

One year from the deferral decision date, candidates may choose to enter accreditation by submitting a self-study enrollment form and fee, or by submitting an accreditation application with appropriate documentation and fee.