QR5 Accreditation Requirements

Quality Rating 5: Accreditation

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Accreditation and Rating Scales: Accreditation: ACR 1.5.

Review the requirements for your program type.

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

Child Care Center

ACR 1.5: Accreditation

Accreditation is awarded by an organization recognized by MSDE and program remains in good standing with accrediting body.

Documentation to submit: Current Accreditation Letter or Certificate

Family Child Care

ACR 1.5: Accreditation

Accreditation is awarded by NAFCC and program remains in good standing with accrediting body.

Documentation to submit: Current Accreditation Letter or Certificate

School-Age Only

ACR 1.5: Accreditation

Accreditation is awarded by an organization recognized by MSDE and program remains in good standing with accrediting body.

Documentation to submit: Current Accreditation Letter or Certificate

Key Terms

Accreditation:

The accreditation process focuses on a continuous process of reflection and evaluation. Once a program completes the process, accrediting organizations often require ongoing reflection and reporting to renew or maintain a program’s accreditation status. Specific steps for maintaining accreditation will vary depending on the accrediting organization’s policies and procedures.

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.