- My program is currently seeking accreditation. Should we wait until that process is complete before participating in Maryland EXCELS?
- I am already in Maryland EXCELS and want to become accredited. Now what?
- Accreditation costs too much money. Is it worth it?
- Our program wants to pursue Maryland EXCELS and we want to become accredited. Which should we do first?
Q. My program is currently seeking accreditation. Should we wait until that process is complete before participating in Maryland EXCELS?
A. There is no need to wait. You can work in both programs at the same time. Keep in mind that when your program is accredited by an organization recognized by MSDE, many Maryland EXCELS criteria will automatically be met when you upload your current accreditation certificate or letter.
Q. I am already in Maryland EXCELS and want to become accredited. Now what?
The first step is to decide which accrediting organization will be best for your program. Visit the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Early Childhood Development website for information on the accrediting organizations recognized by MSDE.
You can also contact your local Quality Assurance Specialist or your local Child Care Resource Center for information on accreditation. Quality Assurance Specialists can provide the Maryland Program Accreditation Orientation presentation to you and your staff.
Q. Accreditation costs too much money. Is it worth it?
A. Meeting the highest standards of quality is worth it for the children and families in your program. Child care centers, school age programs, and public prekindergarten programs are eligible to pursue Maryland Program Accreditation, which is free of cost.
MSDE provides financial support for programs through the Accreditation Support Fund. For more information about funding opportunities and how to apply, visit the Maryland State Department of Education – Early Childhood Development website.
Q. Our program wants to pursue Maryland EXCELS and we want to become accredited. Which should we do first?
A. Where you begin is your choice. Should you choose to work towards Accreditation first, many Maryland EXCELS criteria are met when your program achieves accreditation by an organization recognized by MSDE. You only need to upload your current accreditation certificate or letter. Should you choose to work towards a Maryland EXCELS rating first, many of the criteria will help you achieve your goal of becoming accredited. You can also choose to work in both programs at the same time.