Standard and Criteria for:
Early Childhood Schools.

Early Childhood Education Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions

Standard and Criteria for Integrated Early Childhood Education Programs

• Programs that are part of an existing educational entity such as a district or elementary school
• The Standard and Criteria are in the process of being posted to the website. Check back soon!

Standard and Criteria for Independent Early Childhood Education Programs (definition listed below)

Definition of an Early Childhood Education Program

An early childhood program provides organized learning experiences for children in preschool through third grade. The program may serve any series of levels within the preschool through third grade levels. The program must reflect an early childhood mission and philosophy at all levels. Many types of early childhood education programs-preschools, kindergartens, early childhood schools with children at several levels-are eligible to apply for education program accreditation under these criteria. To be eligible for program accreditation under these criteria every student must be enrolled in an early childhood education program.

An early childhood school seeking accreditation under these criteria must clearly specify its early childhood philosophy in its application for accreditation. Public schools normally pursue accreditation under the Standard and Criteria for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Level, High School and Unit Schools.

Table of Contents:

• Vision, Mission, Beliefs (3-kb)
• School Improvement Plan (6-kb)
• Information System (5-kb)
• Process of Schooling (20-kb)
• Vision, Leadership-Governance, and School Community (11-kb)
• Resources and Allocation (26-kb)
• Performance Accreditation Framework (10-kb)
• Protocol (10-kb)
• Appendix A Provisions for Granting Credit (4-kb)
• Appendix B Policies of the Commission (11-kb)
• Appendix C Organization and Procedures (15-kb)
• Appendix D Appeal Procedures (9-kb)
• Appendix E Organization and Procedures (15-kb)
• Glossary of Terms (17-kb)
• Accreditation Fees
(2-kb)