Accreditation
National accreditation is one of the highest marks of quality a licensed early childhood or out-of-school time program can achieve. In Maine, programs that earn national accreditation through an approved accrediting body automatically receive a Rising Stars for ME Star 5 rating — the highest rating available — and the corresponding Child Care Affordability Program reimbursement rate.
Accrediting Bodies Recognized by Rising Stars for ME
Rising Stars for ME recognizes accreditation through the following organizations:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
- Council on Accreditation (COA)
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
- Head Start programs meeting national Head Start standards
Each accrediting body has its own standards and requirements. Your regional Program Quality Specialist can help you identify which accrediting body is the right fit for your program.
Accreditation Cohorts
An Accreditation Cohort is a group of program directors, owners, and administrators who work together with a trained MRTQ PDN facilitator to pursue or renew national accreditation. Cohorts provide a structured, supported pathway through the accreditation process so you are not navigating it alone.
Who Can Join?
Accreditation Cohorts are open to any owner, director, or designee with an interest in achieving or renewing national accreditation and the time to commit to the process. All staff in your program must be active members of the Maine Roads to Quality Registry for your program to participate.For programs pursuing NAFCC accreditation specifically, the primary participant must be at least 21 years of age, hold a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET, and have at least six months of experience as a family child care business owner.Programs with a license in good standing are eligible to participate. If a licensing violation occurs during the cohort period, MRTQ PDN may ask the program to withdraw depending on the severity of the violation.
What Participants Receive
- Structured, facilitator-led support through the accreditation process
- A peer cohort of other programs working toward the same goal
- MRTQ PDN professional growth activity hours for meeting attendance, which are accepted by Maine Child Care Licensing toward annual training requirements
- Access to resources and guidance from MRTQ PDN specialists throughout the process
Who Can Join?
When do cohorts begin and how long do they last?
New cohorts begin every six to eight months based on demand and run for up to 18 months. Depending on your program's readiness, you may be able to complete the accreditation process within that timeframe. Programs cannot join a cohort that is already in progress.
Who attends cohort meetings?
The person with primary responsibility for program administration is expected to attend all cohort meetings. Depending on the topic, other staff members may be invited to attend as well.
How often do cohorts meet?
Use the Rising Stars for ME Inclusive Practices Checklist and your program's current documentation to identify where you are meeting standards and where gaps exist. Your regional Program Quality Specialist can help you conduct this review.
How much time should I expect to commit?
In addition to monthly meetings, participants should expect to spend approximately four to ten hours per month working on accreditation standards between meetings. The time required will vary depending on the standard and the work your program needs to do to meet it.
What technology do I need?
Participants need reliable phone service or internet access and an active email address. Zoom meetings often involve viewing and sharing documents — participating via computer is recommended, though some participants have managed successfully using a smartphone. Programs are required to submit accreditation documents electronically. MRTQ PDN will do its best to support participants who need additional technology access or accommodations.
Accreditation Fees
Accreditation fees are the responsibility of the program. MRTQ PDN has limited funding available to assist programs with accreditation fees. Periodically, mini-grant funding is available to support cohort participants. When funding is available MRTQ PDN will share that information with cohort participants before or during the application process.For more information about fee assistance, contact us at mrtq.contact@maine.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a problem if my program has had a licensing violation in the past?
If your program's license is currently in good standing, you are eligible to participate. If a violation occurs during the cohort period, MRTQ PDN may ask you to withdraw depending on the severity.
Do all my staff need degrees?
Requirements vary by accrediting body. At a minimum, staff must hold a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET and demonstrate that they will be able to meet the relevant accreditation standards during the cohort period. Each accrediting body — NAFCC, NAEYC, COA — has specific requirements for professional development, training hours, credentials, and higher education.
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
MRTQ PDN understands that emergencies happen. Participants are strongly encouraged to miss no more than two meetings over the course of the cohort.
How much time should I expect to commit?
In addition to monthly meetings, participants should expect to spend approximately four to ten hours per month working on accreditation standards between meetings. The time required will vary depending on the standard and the work your program needs to do to meet it.
I am not comfortable speaking in a group — is that a requirement?
Cohort participants are encouraged to join discussions and share their experiences with peers. Cohorts are designed to be safe, welcoming communities. Participants are never expected to speak in public outside of the cohort itself.