NECPA ACCREDITATION

The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation has been supporting educational programs in their desire for achieving excellence since 1991.  NECPA is an independent and nationally recognized program that was originally created by the National Child Care Association, but is now maintaining its pursuit for excellence by delivering its accreditation philosophy to hundreds of early childhood programs across the country.

NECPA accreditation is not easy.  Only childcare centers that meet prescribed quality criteria can be accredited by NECPA.  It takes months of study, preparation, and implementation to achieve this status.  Of the 504 NECPA Accredited Centers nation wide, we are proud to say that all 5 of our Playcare, Inc. Smart Start Centers serving children 6 weeks to 4 years are accredited.  In Oklahoma, we make up 3% of the 161 nationally accredited centers in the state. 

There are four components that a center must successfully complete to become accredited.

Ø  First component - a thorough self-assessment of the program by management, staff and parents to determine how closely the NECPA standards are being met.

Ø  Second component - an action plan to address weaknesses.

Ø  Third component - an on-site visit by a trained NECPA Verifier.

Ø  Fourth component - a review by the NECPA National Accreditation Council.

NECPA accreditation assures that all criteria for a quality early childhood education program are met.  These criteria include:

• Interactions among staff and children
• Staff and parent interactions
• Administration
• Staff qualifications and development
• Staffing patterns
• Physical environment
• Health and safety

• Nutrition and food service
• Program evaluation

We are proud of our Smart Start centers that have achieved this level of quality.  It is part of our commitment to provide the highest quality early childhood education and care available.

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