NAFCC Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens if my accreditation application is not complete when I send it to NAFCC?
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?
Can accreditation be extended?
What happens if I do not complete my annual renewal on time?
What are some of the strategies I could use to pay for accreditation or reaccreditation?
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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 is granted a 6 month extension to re-submit a complete application and extension 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.
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When a provider moves to a new address, does his/her accreditation transfer to the new location?
The provider must complete a transfer workbook and mail it to NAFCC with a copy of the new license to operate at the new address and transfer fee (see fees). 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. Request a transfer workbook at
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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. Membership fees apply to both providers and a co-provider fee is due with the accreditation application.
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 First Aid and Pediatric 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.
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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.
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What happens if I do not complete my annual renewal on time?
Failure to complete a timely annual renewal will result in a lapse of accreditation. Providers will need to apply for accreditation to begin the re-accreditation process.
If an incomplete annual renewal is submitted it will be returned to the provider. The provider is granted a 6 month extension to re-submit a complete packet and extension fee. If the provider is unable to submit a complete packet within that timeframe, their accreditation is no longer valid. Providers will need to apply for accreditation to begin the re-accreditation process.
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What are some strategies I could use to pay for accreditation or reaccreditation?
Break the cost of accreditation down into manageable “chunks”.
- Enroll in the NAFCC Accreditation Pre-payment Plan. Learn more HERE
- Consider opening a “Christmas Club” or holiday fund at your local bank and use it to save money for re-accreditation. About $6.00 a week will cover the costs.
Consider how your clients can help.
- Some providers set a piggy bank labeled “My Re-Accreditation Fees” by the door.
- One provider used an old coffee can that the children decorated and set it where parents could see it when they arrived every day.
- Another provider asked parents to contribute the change in their pockets one day a week toward the accreditation fee.
- A third provider increased her weekly fees and told parents that the increase would be used for re-accreditation fees.
Learn about what is available in your community.
- In some communities the child care resource and referral agency or another agency has quality improvement funds that can help offset the costs of accreditation. If these funds only support first time accreditation, find out if they can be expanded to cover assistance with re-accreditation fees. Become an advocate and help people understand how important it is to keep providers accredited.
- Explore whether there is a local accreditation project that might help you. If necessary, educate those involved about how important it is to the provider community to include re-accreditation in the project.
- Find a “family child care champion”. It could be a business person or a politician. It might even be someone from a local newspaper. Make sure that you keep them informed about high quality child care and child care issues, and encourage them to recognize the work of you and your fellow providers.