Achieving accreditation involves extensive self-study and validation by professionals outside the program to verify that quality standards are met. Research has demonstrated that accreditation positively impacts early and school-age care program quality, including benefits to children, families, and staff.

• NAEYC works together with program staff across the country to implement best practices and develop a consistent understanding of how to achieve and maintain high quality.
• NECPA encourages early care programs seeking to improve or receive recognition of their high quality care, to enroll for NECPA Accreditation. NECPA accredits all types of programs; center-based, family home, ministry or faith-based, and university centers, among others. NECPA does not require a specific curriculum type to become accredited, all forms of care are welcome! 
• National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs provides a comprehensive ongoing quality improvement system that acknowledges the diversity of programs through the self-study and award process. Over 1,500 early learning programs in 38 states, DC and overseas participate in the Accreditation process. These include but are not limited to university and college campus-based programs, private child care, faith-based preschools, head starts, public preschools, corporate centers, DoD programs, and employer-sponsored programs.
• National After School Association
• National Association for Family Child Care