What does "accredited" mean? ​

 

Accredited programs have completed a rigorous self-evaluation and quality enhancement process, and have been recognized by the Association for Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AELCS) as meeting the accreditation standards of excellence.

Programs that have achieved accreditation status are issued a certificate, which is valid for a term of three years with an annual administrative review.

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Accredited programs:

• Have committed to meet the accreditation standards at all times;

• Continue to work on quality improvement in accordance with the strategies set in their Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP);

• Undergo annual reviews through submission of evidence to AELCS; and

• Are subject to unannounced status verification visits

 

These standards are:

1. Positive, supportive relationships and enriched physical and emotional environments foster children's well-being and development.

2. Program planning and practices support every child's optimal development in an inclusive early learning and care environment that incorporates the value and improtance of play.

3. Relationships with families are supportive and respectful.

4. Child care programs create a supportive work environment to maintain a qualified team of child care professionals and assist them in providing high quality child care services through its philosophy, policies, procedures and practices.

5. Child care programs collaborate with community organizations and services to respond to the needs of children and families they serve.

6. Continuous quality improvement is demonstrated through ongoing self-monitoring and evaluation processes.

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