AVR 1: Validation
Overview
Quality prekindergarten programs are important for young children. Accreditation demonstrates that a program meets quality standards set by a state or national organization. During this process, a program voluntarily pursues self-study, program improvement, and external program review. Accreditation offers validation and recognition of a program’s practices and demonstrates a commitment to continued progress toward increasing levels of quality.
Requirement
Level 4:
The program has begun the accreditation process with an organization recognized by MSDE, is actively pursuing accreditation, and is within the time allowed by the accrediting organization.
Documentation to upload: Documentation from an accrediting organization recognized by MSDE verifying that the program has begun the accreditation process, is actively pursuing accreditation, and is within the time allowed by the accrediting organization.
Next Steps
- Review your documentation to ensure that it includes the program’s name, is dated, and shows the accreditation process has begun.
- Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload your program’s documentation.
- Submit for review.
AVR 1.4 ratings are valid for one year. If your program does not achieve accreditation and meet the requirements of AVR 1.5 within this time, updated documentation must be submitted prior to the sub-category expiration date to demonstrate that the requirements of AVR 1.4 are still met.
Additional Resources
- Recognized Accrediting Organizations View the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) list of recognized national accrediting organizations that align with the overall mission and high standards for public prekindergarten.
Maryland Accreditation Visit this link for more information about the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) free accreditation process.
