What does it mean when a child care center is NAEYC accredited? The center voluntarily applies for accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The program then performs a self study to determine how well they meet the academy's criteria. After the center has made needed improvements and feels they are ready they schedule a visit. Trained validators come to the center and perform an on site visit. The results are reviewed by a commission of experts in child care and early childhood education. If the center satisfies the criteria they are granted accreditation for 3 years. The accreditation process focuses on the total program with its greatest emphasis placed on the quality of interactions among staff and children and the developmental appropriateness of the curriculum. NAEYC programs have demonstrated a commitment to providing a high quality program for young children and their families. To find out more information you can visit http://www.naeyc.org/