Q. What is the first step towards NECPA Accreditation?

A:   The first step towards Accreditation is review the NECPA Standards.  Reviewing standards enables programs to determine which standards are currently being implemented and which standards will need to be implemented.  Once the program has made the decision to become NECPA Accredited, a program has the option of enrolling online or by submitting an application to the NECPA Commission.   All of the materials necessary to begin the Accreditation process will be sent to the program upon formal enrollment.  Once a program receives the self-study materials,  the program may become more acquainted with expectations by reading the white instructional guide section of the Self-Assessment Instrument.  

 

Q: Where can I find the NECPA Standards?

A: The NECPA Standards Book can be purchased online.  Please click on the “Standards” page to learn more about the requirements for NECPA Accredited programs.

 

Q: Do I need to purchase the NECPA Standards Book?

A: The NECPA Standards Book is a narrative version of the NECPA Self-Assessment Instrument.  Purchasing is recommended, but not required.  Obtaining a copy as a supplementary manual will assist you throughout your Accreditation process. 

 

Q: How long does the self-study process take to complete?

A: The self-study process is self-paced.  Generally, it takes one year to complete the entire process and to become accredited.  There are, however, many variables that can either shorten or lengthen this time frame.  Spend your energies on complying with the most current standards publicized by the NECPA Commission, Inc. and focus on implementing the criteria and preparing documentation for your verification visit. 

 

Q: What is the cost of the process?

A: Fees are based on the licensed capacity of a program.  Fees are per program and cannot be used towards more than one program.  Fees may be paid in two installments.  The enrollment fee is due at the time of enrollment.   The verification visit fee is rendered at the time of the visit request.  Fees are non-refundable.  The fee schedule will help you establish which fee correlates to the licensed size of your program.  Click here for the fee schedule

 

Q: What are pre-requisites for enrolling my program?

A: A program must have a license in good standing and a licensed capacity of at least 7 children.

Q: Does NECPA offer scholarships to help pay for my Accreditation?

A: Scholarships are not available through NECPA.  Please contact your local Resource and Referral Agency for financial assistance offered for NECPA. 

 

Q: What is the NECPA Accreditation term?

A: Accreditation is granted for three years with satisfactory annual reviews.

 

Q: How long will it take to schedule my verification visit?

A: Please allow at least 120 days from the time NECPA receives both your verification visit request form and verification fee.  Every effort is made to secure a visit date without delay.  Should a program not accept the first offered date, NECPA will work within another 120 time period to confirm an alternate date.  Programs are not allowed to select their own date or Verifier.

 

Q:  What do I do with my NECPA Self-Assessment Instrument and Parent and Staff Surveys? 

A:  The Verifier will send your Self-Assessment Instrument, surveys and copy of the program license to the NECPA Center of Operations at the end of the verification visit. 

 

Q:   After the verification visits,  when and how will I be notified of the Council and Commission’s decision regarding my Accreditation status?

A:  Once a decision has been determined, you will be contacted by the NECPA Center of Operations through written notification within 4 weeks from the date of the Commission evaluation.

 

Q:  Typically how long is the On-site Verification visit?

A: The Verifier will take as  long as necessary to verify the accuracy of the program responses within the instrument.  The length of time depends on the size of the program.  You can plan on at least one full day to complete the verification visit.

 

Q:  Will the Verifier observe all of my classrooms? 

A:  The Verifier will observe every classroom that falls under the program’s license and will remain in the room as long as needed to observe the required standards. 

 

Q:  Will I need to complete the Self-Assessment Instrument in its entirety?

A: Completion of all sections is strongly encouraged.  The documentation and observation sections will be evaluated by the Council and Commission.