The NECPA has several components. The first is a thorough self-assessment of the program by management, staff, and parents to determine how closely the NECPA standards are being met. The second component is an action plan to address weaknesses. The third component is an on-site visit by a trained NECPA Verifier. And the fourth component is a review by the NECPA National Accreditation Council. The process is self-paced.
Accreditation is a growing process. As you and your staff work through the self-assessment, your goal should be to meet the NECPA standards fully. Most find it necessary to spend some time making changes in their programs in order to meet the standards. You may take as long as you need before requesting a verification visit.
As a pre-requisite to accreditation, all centers must have possessed a license in good standing from their respective states for at least one year. Full accreditation is granted for three years with satisfactory annual reviews. There are restrictions regarding changes in location and management for accredited centers.
The NECPA Process
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A Step By Step Guide
An early childhood program enrolls in NECPA.
The NECPA staff assigns the program a Site Number, enters it on the database, and sends the program the NECPA self-assessment instrument and parent, staff and children’s surveys.
If the program’s administrator wishes, a NECPA Mentor is assigned.
The program administrator meets with the program staff and parents to explain the accreditation process and how they can work together to achieve the award.
Teachers assess their classrooms’ compliance with the NECPA standards and discuss their findings with the program director. Together they develop a plan to address any items not in full compliance.
The plan of compliance is acted upon and completed.
The NECPA Parent and Staff surveys are distributed and collected. At least 50% of the families served must return surveys and 70% of staff must be completed as well.
When the surveys are returned and the program staff is ready, the director returns the “Request for Verification Visit” form.
The NECPA staff assigns one or more Verifiers to visit the program on a designed date.
The Verifier looks at written documentation and observes in the classrooms to determine the accuracy of each answer in the self-assessment instrument. The Verifier and Director meet at the end of the day to go over the findings.
The Verifier sends the verified self-assessment instrument, the surveys, and a copy of the program license to the NECPA office.
The instrument is scored and a narrative profile of the program is created. The profile is sent to the members of the NECPA National Accreditation Council.
The council members individually review the profiles and meet to make accreditation recommendations.
The NECPA Commission reviews the Council’s recommendations and formally awards accreditation.
The NECPA staff notifies the program of the Commission’s decision —Full Accreditation, Pending, or Deferred.
Programs receiving “Pending” status are permitted to send the requested documentation directly to the NECPA office. If the documentation is satisfactory, full accreditation will be awarded.
Deferred programs must address each item in the notification letter and must, within 60 days, return the “Interim Report” describing how they have complied with each standard. A re-verification visit may be required by the Council. The new information will be considered at the next meeting of the Council.
Accredited programs must submit Annual Reports describing changes in their programs and improvements that have been made~ Accreditation is valid for three years.
