State approvals & financial aid
The NAC is approved in 12 states and recognized nationwide. Find your state to see how the NAC counts there, where in-person classes are offered and what help is available to pay for it.
Find your state
Every state sets its own rules for directors. In approved states, the NAC can count toward director qualifications, credentials or career ladders. In other states, it is still a respected national credential, and many offer scholarships for professional development.
- NAC approved
- Check with your state not on the state's approved list yet
State programs change often. Use this as a starting point and confirm details with your state.
AlabamaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
AlaskaNAC approved
Approved through the Alaska SEED Registry (Thread Alaska).
SEED Registry members may qualify for financial support toward professional development.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
State contacts and funding
ArizonaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
ArkansasCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
CaliforniaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
ColoradoCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
ConnecticutCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
DelawareCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
- DE DOE Office of Early Learning
District of ColumbiaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
FloridaNAC approved
Approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Florida has its own version of the Online NAC, modified to meet DCF requirements. It is valued at 45 clock hours (4.5 CEUs).
The Florida NAC is $1,050 and includes unofficial DCF transcripts and your first renewal free.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
GeorgiaNAC approved
Approved by Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
DECAL Scholars may help with professional development costs. Check eligibility with DECAL.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
State contacts and funding
HawaiiCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
IdahoCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
IllinoisCCP approved
Illinois approves NECPA's Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential. The NAC is not on Illinois's approved list yet, but it is a nationally recognized credential many employers value.
State contacts and funding
IndianaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
IowaNAC approved
Approved in Iowa.
Scholarships are available. Call us at 571-210-4818 to see if you qualify.
The NAC supports Iowa's Program Administrator pathway.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
- In-person classes: offered in this state. Ask about upcoming dates
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
KansasCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
- KCCTO
- KS Links to Quality / Child Care Aware of KS
KentuckyCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
LouisianaNAC approved
Approved by Louisiana Pathways and the Pathways Scholarship.
The NAC can help move you up the Louisiana Pathways administrative career ladder.
If you're eligible, the Louisiana Pathways Scholarship can cover most of the course cost. Check your eligibility with Louisiana Pathways.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
- In-person classes: offered in this state. Ask about upcoming dates
State contacts and funding
MaineCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
MarylandNAC approved
Approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
The NAC can count toward Maryland's Child Care Credential Program.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
State contacts and funding
MassachusettsCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
MichiganNAC approved
Approved by Michigan's child care licensing agency (now part of MiLEAP).
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
MinnesotaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- Parent Aware
- Child Care Aware MN (T.E.A.C.H.)
MississippiCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
MissouriCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- MO DESE Office of Childhood
- Child Care Aware MO (T.E.A.C.H.)
MontanaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
- MT Early Childhood Project
- MT DPHHS Early Childhood Services Bureau
NebraskaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- NE Dept of Education: Step Up to Quality
- Nebraska AEYC (T.E.A.C.H.)
NevadaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- Nevada AEYC (T.E.A.C.H.)
- NV DWSS Child Care / Silver State Stars QRIS
New HampshireCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- NH DHHS Child Care Licensing
- T.E.A.C.H. NH
New JerseyCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
New MexicoNAC approved
Approved by New Mexico's Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD).
The NAC is written into New Mexico's child care licensing rules as an option for meeting director qualifications.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
- In-person classes: offered in this state. Ask about upcoming dates
State contacts and funding
New YorkCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
North CarolinaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
North DakotaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
OhioCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
OklahomaNAC approved
Approved by CECPD and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
The NAC is a key part of earning the Bronze level Oklahoma Director's Credential.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
State contacts and funding
OregonCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
PennsylvaniaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- PA OCDEL / PA Key
- PACCA (T.E.A.C.H.)
Rhode IslandCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- RI DHS Child Care / BrightStars
- RIAEYC (T.E.A.C.H.)
South CarolinaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
South DakotaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
TennesseeCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
TexasNAC approved
Approved in Texas.
The NAC can help you meet Texas child care director qualifications. Confirm current requirements with Texas HHS Child Care Regulation.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
- TX HHS Child Care Regulation
- TWC Texas Rising Star
- TXAEYC (T.E.A.C.H.)
UtahNAC approved
Approved in Utah.
Scholarships may be available. Call us at 571-210-4818 to see if you qualify.
The NAC can help you meet Utah child care center director qualifications.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
- In-person classes: offered in this state. Ask about upcoming dates
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
VermontCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
VirginiaNAC approved
Approved in Virginia.
The NAC can help you meet Virginia child care director qualifications. Confirm current requirements with the Virginia Department of Education.
How to take the NAC here
- Online NAC: available now
State contacts and funding
WashingtonCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
West VirginiaCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
WisconsinCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
Scholarships: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarships are offered in this state. Ask them whether a scholarship can be used toward the NAC.
State contacts and funding
WyomingCheck with your state
The NAC is not formally on this state's approved list yet. It is still a nationally recognized credential that many employers value. Check with your state licensing agency to see how it may count toward director qualifications or training hours.
State contacts and funding
Not sure how the NAC counts in your state?
We're happy to help. Call 571-210-4818 or email [email protected].