The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) is proud to bring our internationally recognized standards of excellence to the Maryland early learning community. In partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), we offer Maryland childcare providers a trusted path to quality recognition that aligns with the state’s focus on high-quality early learning. By pursuing NECPA accreditation, your program joins a global network committed to the highest benchmarks of safety, curriculum, and professional development while creating a pathway to advance through the Maryland EXCELS system and open new opportunities for funding.
Why Choose NECPA?
Cost
MSDE National Accreditation Support Fund
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) offers the National Accreditation Support Fund to help programs offset the costs of achieving high-quality recognition.
This fund is specifically designed to cover your NECPA accreditation fees, including:
- Initial Enrollment & Verification Fees: Your full initial costs are eligible for coverage at the time of enrollment.
- Annual Reporting Fees: Funding is also available for your required annual reports in years two and three of your award term.
Eligibility
The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) is designed for both family child care homes and center-based early childhood programs.
In order to enroll in the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) a program must:
- Be licensed, in good standing by their state child care licensing agency, home or center-based.
- Be licensed for a minimum of 1 year.
- Serve children younger than 5 years old. If serving school-age and preschool, the majority of enrolled students must be 8 years old or younger.
Upcoming Information Sessions
The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) is excited to offer a series of virtual information sessions designed for both family child care homes and center-based early childhood programs across Maryland.
Offered multiple times throughout the month of June, these sessions will provide an overview of:
- NECPA accreditation and the accreditation process
- How NECPA is tailored to support both family child care and center-based programs
- Available funding opportunities and accreditation support resources
Whether you are just beginning to explore accreditation or ready to take the next step, these sessions are a great opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and discover how NECPA can support your program. Choose the session date that works best for you and register today!
Partnerships
Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA)
NECPA is proud to partner with MSCCA, the Maryland affiliate for the National Child Care Association (NCCA). Through this partnership, MSCCA members who choose to join NCCA receive membership certificates and access to the national network, resources, and support available through NCCA.
Together, NECPA and MSCCA are committed to supporting and strengthening the early childhood profession across Maryland.