Frequently asked questions

Yes. NECPA accreditation is open to center-based programs and family child care homes of every size, from a single home to a multi-site network. Every program follows the same NECPA Standards and accreditation process, with support shaped around how your program works.

Programs must be operating for at least one year before their verification visit, but you can enroll and begin your self-study sooner. See who NECPA is for.

You may still be eligible. NECPA accreditation is for programs licensed for seven (7) or more children, but license-exempt programs and programs licensed for fewer than seven children can submit an exemption request to participate.

Have questions about your program? Contact us and our team will help.

NECPA accreditation is awarded to an early childhood program, whether a center or a family child care home, not to an individual. The process:

1. Submit an Enrollment Application.
2. Complete your self-study using the Self Assessment Instrument (SAI) and the NECPA Standards.
3. Request a verification visit when your program is ready.
4. Complete NECPA and National Accreditation Council review.
5. Once accredited, submit your First and Second Annual Reports and re-enroll before your award expires.

Review the full accreditation process.

There's no single completion time, because each program works through self-study at its own pace. In general:

• You have up to two years for enrollment and self-study.
• Your visit generally takes place within 120 days of your Verification Visit Request.
• Standard Council results are generally issued within 60 days after your visit materials are received.

These are general timelines and don't confirm an individual program's schedule.

Enrollment and verification visit fees are based on your program's total licensed capacity. The same fees apply to re-enrollment and renewal visits.

The First and Second Annual Reports are $275 each. Expedited services, deferrals, cancellations, international travel and other special services may carry separate fees. Fees are non-refundable and subject to change. See all current fees.

Submit the NECPA Enrollment Application for your program. Your enrollment and self-study period lasts up to two years, and your enrollment packet is generally issued within 7–10 business days.

Start your Enrollment Application

Begin your self-study using your enrollment materials: the SAI, the NECPA Standards Book and Resource Guide, and the documentation labels. Review each applicable requirement, compare it with your current policies and daily practices, and organize your evidence as you complete changes.

If your enrollment packet hasn't arrived within 7–10 business days, contact the NECPA Team so we can review your program record.

You have up to two years, but the time you need depends on your program's readiness and the changes you need to make. Work at a pace that lets your policies, documentation, staff practices and learning environment align with the standards before you request a visit.

Use NECPA's how-to videos to plan your self-study.

Complete every applicable item in Part A, Documentation, and Part B, Observation.

• “No” marks an area to address before you request verification.
• “N/A” is only for items that genuinely don't apply, such as an age-specific item for an age group you don't serve.

No. NECPA's sample templates and logs are optional examples. You can use them or your own forms, as long as your records contain the information the applicable SAI item requires.

View program resources and sample templates.

Use a clearly labeled documentation box, binder or similar filing system that follows the NECPA documentation labels and exact SAI item codes. Place each policy, procedure, record or other evidence with its matching item so it can be reviewed efficiently.

A listed evidence example is one possible way to document an item. It isn't the only acceptable evidence, and it doesn't guarantee compliance.

Your program is ready when it has:

• Completed all applicable SAI items
• Organized the required documentation
• Met the required staff and family survey response levels
• Aligned its facility, operations and teacher-child interactions with the NECPA Standards

Review any “No” responses and unresolved gaps before requesting your visit. Final compliance is determined through NECPA's document and verification review.

You'll need anonymous responses from at least 70% of staff and 50% of families, using NECPA's approved survey requirements and instruments. A general annual program-evaluation survey doesn't replace the required accreditation Parent Survey.

When your self-study is complete, submit the Verification Visit Request in the NECPA Client Portal. A standard visit generally takes place within 120 days of your request.

Approved expedited scheduling can shorten that to 60 days. Availability, approval and your individual schedule are confirmed by the NECPA Team. See visit scheduling fees.

Standard National Accreditation Council results are generally issued within 60 days after your visit materials are received. NECPA will send your decision along with any required next steps, which may include additional documentation or another verification visit.

To challenge a decision, review the Appeals of Accreditation Decisions Policy and contact the NECPA Team for current, case-specific requirements.

A NECPA accreditation award is valid for three years. During that time:

• Submit your First and Second Annual Reports in the Client Portal, each within 30 days of your anniversary date.
• Begin re-enrollment about one year before your award expires.

See Annual Report and Self Report details.

The NECPA Accreditation Team can help with general process questions and review account-specific issues that the website or chatbot can't confirm. Call 855-706-3272 or email [email protected].

Questions about an individual application, payment, visit date, Council result or compliance decision need review by a NECPA Team member.