Frequently Asked Questions

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What happens if my accreditation application is not complete when I send it to NAFCC?

What happens if I need to re-schedule my observation visit?

When a provider moves to a new address, does his/her accreditation transfer to the new location?

What is the difference between a co-provider, an assistant, and a substitute?

What is non-contact training?

Can accreditation be extended?

What happens if my accreditation application is not complete when I send it to NAFCC?

The application must be completely filled out and include the application fee, current membership (if applicable), and all required documentation.  If the application is incomplete, the application and all documentation will be returned to the candidate.  The candidate has 60 days to re-submit a complete application and application re-instatement fee.  If the candidate is unable to submit a complete application within that timeframe, the process starts over with a new application fee.  Candidates should confirm that they have a complete application before submitting it to NAFCC.

What happens if I need to re-schedule my observation visit?

The observation visit should be scheduled for the 3rd or 4th month after the application is received and eligibility has been verified. If the candidate needs to reschedule within that time frame, a re-scheduling fee must be submitted. If the candidate is unable to reschedule in that time frame they may request a 60 day extension and submit an extension fee before the end of the 4th month.

When a provider moves to a new address, does his/her accreditation transfer to the new location?

The provider must complete an updated Self-Certification and mail it to NAFCC with a copy of the new license to operate. An observer visit is not required. Upon review and approval, NAFCC mails a replacement Certificate of Accreditation to the provider reflecting the new business address. Accreditation dates on the certificate remain the same.  If not approved, the provider is notified of necessary corrective actions. Contact NAFCC for a Self-Observation and Self-Certification workbook at accreditation@nafcc.org.

What is the difference between a co-provider, an assistant, and a substitute?

NAFCC Accreditation allows providers to complete accreditation as co-providers. Co-providers are two providers who share equally in the decision making and responsibility. Both providers must meet all eligibility requirements and submit all provider documentation. Each co-provider must be on site and actively involved with children at least 60% of the time. Both co-providers are scored on all standards during the observation visit and both participate in the interview.

An assistant to the provider works with and under the supervision of the provider. An assistant must be age 16 or older. The assistant is not left in charge of the children unless he or she meets all the qualifications of a substitute. NAFCC requires providers to submit documentation for assistants which includes, a copy of the health assessment form dated within the last 2 years, a copy of a TB screening dated within the last 2 years, and a copy of current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certificate. Refer to NAFCC Quality Standards 5.26-5.32 to learn more about assistants.

A substitute is a person who is left in charge of children when the provider is absent. Substitutes must be age 18 or older, hold a current certificate in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, and have an acceptable TB screening. Substitutes must have spent time with the children before. Refer to NAFCC Quality Standards 5.33-5.36 to learn more about substitutes.

What is non-contact training?

NAFCC’s accreditation training policy states that 90 hour training requirement may consist of up to 10 hours of non-contact training. Non-contact training is any training that does not include interaction with an instructor. An example of this type of training is mail correspondence training where material is sent and the student reviews the material, takes a test, and returns the test to the company to receive a certificate. There is no interaction with an instructor. Some on-line training is non-contact training; however, some on-line training is considered “contact” training because students interact with an instructor and fellow students via email and blogs. If you have questions about your training, contact your accreditation specialist for clarification.

Can accreditation be extended?

NAFCC does not extend accreditation expiration dates. We recommend that re-accrediting providers follow the observation timeline to plan when to submit their application to avoid a lapse of accreditation.