Overview
Two NAEYC accreditations
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) runs two separate accreditation systems that are easy to confuse:
- Higher-education accreditationNAEYC accredits degree programs that prepare early-childhood educators — associate, bachelor’s, and master’s. CHEA-recognized. This is the one that vouches for a college program.
- Early Learning Program accreditationNAEYC also accredits the early-learning centers and preschools themselves — a widely recognized quality mark for a childcare or preschool program, distinct from the degree accreditation.
Why It Matters
What each signals
Match the accreditation to what you’re evaluating. If you’re choosing a college program to become an early-childhood educator, look for NAEYC higher-education accreditation. If you’re a parent choosing a preschool or childcare center, look for NAEYC Early Learning Program accreditation — a strong signal of program quality. Neither is a teaching license; state early-childhood certification is separate.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits early childhood education programs? The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which runs two systems: higher-education accreditation of degree programs (CHEA-recognized), and Early Learning Program accreditation of centers and preschools.
- What is the difference between NAEYC's two accreditations? One accredits college degree programs that prepare early-childhood educators; the other accredits the early-learning centers and preschools themselves. They serve different purposes.
- As a parent, which NAEYC accreditation matters? Early Learning Program accreditation — a widely recognized quality mark for a childcare or preschool program.
- As a student, which NAEYC accreditation matters? Higher-education accreditation, which vouches for the degree program preparing you to be an early-childhood educator.
- Is NAEYC accreditation a teaching license? No. State early-childhood teacher certification is separate; NAEYC accreditation is a program-quality mark.
- What levels does NAEYC accredit in higher education? Associate, bachelor's, and master's early-childhood degree programs.
- Is NAEYC recognized by the government? NAEYC's higher-education accreditation is CHEA-recognized.
- How do I verify NAEYC accreditation? Use NAEYC's higher-education accreditation list for degree programs, or its Early Learning Program search for centers and preschools.