Choosing the right child care is a big decision. Whether you prefer a center or a family or a group home, you want it to be safe, healthy, and enjoyable for your child.

Accredited centers or homes meet national quality standards. When choosing a program for your child, ask if the program is accredited.

ADDED SECURITY WHEN CHOOSING CHILD CARE

Accredited family and group home child care
providers are more likely to:

• Care for children in a home that is safe and healthy
• Offer child-centered activities for children
• Help children grow and develop
• Attend classes and workshops on child care and child development
• Be a member of a professional child care organization

Accredited family and group home child care providers have been visited by a trained expert from the National Association for Family Child Care to make sure they meet national quality standards.

• CHILDREN will be in a program that meets national quality standards for health and safety.
• PARENTS will know that this program has passed a national quality standards review.
• CHILD CARE PROVIDERS will gain professional and public recognition for their high quality programs.
• EMPLOYERS will see lower absenteeism because children of employees will be in well managed child care programs.
• HIGH QUALITY early education and care prepares children for success.

For more information about accreditation, call the:

MICHIGAN 4C ASSOCIATION
800-950-4171 or 517-351-4171

For more information on accredited programs in
your area, call your local 4C office.

Accredited child care centers are more likely to:

• Provide safe and healthy play areas
• Offer child-centered activities for children
• Provide activities and games that are suited to the child’s age
• Employ teachers who are specially trained in child development or child care
• Encourage parents to participate in program activities

Accredited child care centers have been visited by a trained expert from the National Association for the Education of Young Children to make sure they meet national quality standards.

WHAT KIND OF ACCREDITATION IS AVAILABLE?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits child care centers by helping the staff improve their programs. NAEYC evaluates the quality of these programs and certifies that they meet accreditation standards.

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accredits family and group home child care providers whose services meet national standards of professional quality care.

Who Developed the NSACA Standards?

The National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA) and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) collaborated with practitioners and experts from around the country to develop the NSACA Standards. The standards describe the best practices in out-of-school programs for children and youth between the ages of five and 14.