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?

National Recognition
NECPA is a trusted accreditation with rigorous standards, aligning with Maryland's focus on high-quality early learning.
Quality & Outcomes
Accreditation with NECPA supports best practices in child development, safety, family engagement, and staff qualifications.
Maryland EXCELS
NECPA-accredited programs are eligible to increase their Maryland EXCELS level, leading to greater recognition and opportunities for state funding.
Here for You!
From enrollment to verification visits, NECPA provides guidance and resources to help you succeed through the Mighty Network Portal.

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

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.

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps:

Success starts with a plan. Watch the Portal Walkthrough video below to help you navigate the Maryland One-Stop Portal with ease. Once you're familiar with the layout, you'll be ready to enroll in NECPA and apply for the MSDE National Accreditation Support Fund in just a few clicks!
WATCH - ENROLL - APPLY