Early Childhood Services

Accreditation Facilitation Projects (AFP)

SERVING THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST REGIONS OF CONNECTICUT

Providing accreditation guidance and support to early childhood in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Connecticut .

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation is a voluntary system designed to guide early childhood programs in making quality improvements to meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of young children through compliance with national standards. Early Childhood educators, employers, families and others recognize that high quality early care and education programs make a crucial difference for young children. NAEYC accreditation has been recognized as a valuable process for program improvement for over 20 years.

The New NAEYC Accreditation System

Effective September 2006, the new NAEYC accreditation standards and criteria were implemented. The self-study process facilitates lasting improvements in programs and ensures reliability and accountability in the system.

The four steps to the self-study process and the expanded resources provide systematic guidance as programs consider their strengths and needs:

Step 1: Enrollment in Self-Study
Step 2: Becoming an Applicant
Step 3: Becoming a Candidate
Step 4: Meeting the Program Standards

Free resources to support achieving accreditation goals:

• For more information on the NAEYC accreditation system, visit www.naeyc.org.
• To attend AFP free workshops and study groups, contact: Judy Bronson (NW) or Donna Delohery (SW).
• Apply for technical assistance through the AFP at www.ctcharts-a-course.org.
• Access information on timelines, frequently asked questions or policies.
• Sign up for Accreditation E-Updates for the latest information on the new system.