Research-based standards for the whole child
The NECPA Standards define what quality looks like in early care and education. They guide programs seeking accreditation and serve as a resource for the whole field.
Who it's for: Child care centers and family child care homes licensed for seven (7) or more children. License-exempt programs, and programs licensed for fewer than seven children, may also be eligible by submitting an exemption request. Questions? Contact us.
Every relationship in a child's world
NECPA standards look at the whole child. Our focus is making sure each child is supported and encouraged by every person and system in their environment.
Children and teachers
The everyday relationships and interactions between each child and their teachers.
Programs and families
How the program and center build strong partnerships with families.
Programs and communities
How the program connects with and supports its wider community.
A proven key indicator approach
NECPA uses an instrument-based accreditation system. The program director, staff and families all help evaluate the program's overall quality.
The approach was developed by Dr. Richard Fiene. It focuses on key indicators: the items research has shown best predict a program's overall quality and positive outcomes for children. Dr. Fiene refined this approach over 25 years of research in states across the U.S. and provinces in Canada.
Because it focuses on the items that matter most, fewer separate items need to be checked, with no loss of confidence in the results.
A fair, complete picture
- A weighted scoring system, updated in the 2017 Standards, Edition 2
- Written input from the NECPA Verifier and the program director
- Each program assessed with a full understanding of its situation, including factors that could affect accreditation
Grounded in 35 years of best practice
The NECPA Standards draw on decades of research in early care and education, including:
- American Public Health Association and American Academy of PediatricsNational Health and Safety Performance Standards (APHA/AAP)
- National Academy of SciencesCommittee on Family and Work Policies (NAS)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC)
- ASTM InternationalAmerican Society for Testing and Materials
What accreditation does for your program
Verifies quality
Confirms your program meets established standards of excellence and recognizes the high-quality care you provide.
Helps families choose
Gives families a trusted way to identify programs that meet high-quality standards.
Grows your team
Teachers and staff learn best practices for young children and how to put them to into action in their classrooms.
Ready to see the standards in action?
Download the Standards, or learn about NECPA accreditation.