The Next Generation in Accreditation
Since 1991, the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation has encouraged quality and recognized excellence in early childhood programs across the United States and around the world.
Built by child care professionals, for child care programs
NECPA began in 1991, when leading professionals of the National Child Care Association (NCCA) set out to create a valid, reputable accreditation choice. Their goal: help every eligible program raise its quality bar and bring real benefits to the children and families it serves each day.
Founding NECPA took extensive research and pilot testing to make sure the standards were strong. Since then, we've promoted reliable measures of quality in early childhood programs, both nationally and abroad.
We keep our standards current by comparing them with other accepted quality assessments, so programs always have the latest research and best practices for their early childhood settings.
NECPA at a glance
- Founded in 1991 by leaders of the National Child Care Association
- Parent organization of NCCA since 2019
- A non-profit organization
- Accreditation for child care centers and family child care homes
- National credentials for directors (NAC) and teachers (CCP)
- Programs accredited in the United States and other countries
Focused on the interests of children
We pledge to stay focused on the interests of children by promoting high-quality standards throughout the early care and education profession.
As a not-for-profit organization offering independent review of programs worldwide, we know our values and actions affect the programs, children and families we serve. We regularly consult with experts in the field, listen to feedback on our own performance, and work to understand the issues our enrolled and accredited programs face.
The principles behind our work
NECPA follows a code of ethics and conduct that reflects our commitment to programs and the children they serve.
Integrity
Integrity guides how we work with programs, employees, regulators, partners and the community. We follow best practices and stay open, fair and diligent, with personal accountability at every level.
Pursuit of excellence
We deliver excellent service from a program's first contact until it earns accreditation. We listen openly, respect privacy and confidentiality, stay impartial, avoid conflicts of interest, and handle complaints promptly and fairly.
Responsibility
We act ethically and keep a strict no-conflict-of-interest policy. Our Commission sets policy, and only the Council and Commission decide a program's final status. Accreditation is awarded on merit alone, and confidential information is never misused.
Reliability
We work with leaders in the field to review emerging standards and best practices. We encourage continuous quality improvement, share factual information, listen to programs' views and act early to help them meet national standards.
Our commitment: everyone who works for or represents NECPA is expected to follow this code of conduct.
Supporting programs and professionals
Accreditation
For child care centers and family child care homes of every size.
Learn moreNAC
The National Administrator Credential for directors and emerging leaders.
Learn moreCCP
The Certified Childcare Professional credential for early childhood teachers.
Learn moreNCCA membership
Advocacy, training and savings for child care owners and educators.
Learn moreThank you for pursuing excellence
Questions about NECPA? Call 855-706-3272 or contact our team.