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.

Programs that are fully accredited and meet the requirements for AVR 1 will have an accreditation pathway applied. The subcategories in Maryland EXCELS that align with the accreditation standards will be satisfied automatically via the pathway.

Requirement

Level 5:

Accreditation/validation awarded by an organization recognized by MSDE and school remains in good standing with the accrediting body.

Documentation to upload:

  • Letter or certificate of accreditation/validation award
  • Documentation from an accrediting organization that annual or other required report has been received by the accrediting organization

Next Steps

  • Review your documentation to ensure that it includes the program’s name, is dated, and shows the program is fully accredited by an organization recognized by MSDE.
  • Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload your program’s documentation.
  • Submit for review.

The AVR 1.5 expiration date is determined by the dates that the required annual or other mid-term reports are due to the accrediting organization and the final accreditation expiration date. Updated documentation must be submitted before the AVR 1.5 expiration date to maintain the rating.

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.