Accreditation

National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC)

What is NAFCC Accreditation?

NAFCC Accreditation is recognized as the highest indicator that a family child care program is a quality
environment. Accreditation reflects a high level of quality through a process that examines all aspects of
the family child care program, i.e. relationships, the environment, developmental learning activities,
safety and health, and professional and business practices. In states where Quality Rating Systems have
been implemented, NAFCC Accreditation is often the "top" level in the rating system. NAFCC
Accreditation is awarded to family child care providers who meet the eligibility requirements and the
Quality Standards for NAFCC Accreditation.

Why Choose Nationally Accredited Family Child Care?

Significant research has provided evidence that warm, loving and home‐like settings are natural
environments for children during early childhood. While offering the safety and comfort of home, and
providing a consistent caregiver throughout the years, family child care is the care choice for many
parents.
NAFCC Accreditation is an indicator that family child care offers safe, inviting spaces and warm,
nurturing care complete with educational activities designed to meet the needs and interests of all
children while promoting individual development.

NAFCC Accreditation eligibility requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• HS diploma or GED.
• Provide care to children for at least 15 hours/week.
• Provide care to at least 3 children in a home‐environment. At least one child must not reside in
the provider’s home.
• Be the primary caregiver, spending at least 80% of the operating hours actively involved with
the children. Co‐providers must spend at least 60% of the time actively involved with the
children.
• Have at least 12 months experience as a family child care provider before the observation visit.
• Meet the highest level of regulation to operate a family child care program by the authorized
regulatory body.
• Be in compliance with all regulations of the authorized regulatory body.
• Have a favorable state criminal history.
• Have a favorable federal criminal history.
• Be in good health in order to provide a nurturing and stable environment for children.
• Maintain a current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification.
• Adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

Accreditation Training/Education Requirements

Complete at least 90 clock hours of documented family child care related education/training within the
3 years prior to submitting the accreditation documentation. The training must include a minimum of 15
hours in each of at least three of the five accreditation content areas:

• Relationships
• The Environment
• Developmental Learning Activities
• Safety/Health
• Professional and Business Practices

NAFCC
1743 W. Alexander Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Phone: (801) 886‐2322
Phone: (800) 359‐3817
Fax: (801) 886‐2325
Email: nafcc@nafcc.org
Website: www.nafcc.org