QR3 Accreditation Requirements

Quality Rating 3: Accreditation

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Accreditation and Rating Scales: Accreditation: ACR 1.3.

Review the requirements for your program type.

Some terms may be unfamiliar to you. Select the hyperlinks for more information.

Child Care Center

ACR 1.3: Accreditation

Within the past 12 months, the Director or designated staff person has visited or had a conversation with a child care program accredited by an organization recognized by MSDE.

Documentation to submit: Accreditation Interview / Visit Verification Form

Family Child Care

ACR 1.3: Accreditation

Within the past 12 months, the provider has visited or had a conversation with an NAFCC accredited family child care provider.

Documentation to submit: Accreditation Interview / Visit Verification Form

School-Age Only

ACR 1.3: Accreditation

Within the past 12 months, the Director or designated staff person has visited or had a conversation with a child care program accredited by an organization recognized by MSDE.

Documentation to submit: Accreditation Interview / Visit Verification Form

Key Terms

Accredited by an Organization Recognized by MSDE:

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recognizes accreditation from several national organizations.

NAFCC Accredited:

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) sponsors the only nationally recognized accreditation system for Family Child Care programs. MSDE offers funding to help family child care programs pay the cost of pursuing accreditation.