Early Childhood Education Accreditation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NCA CASI?
The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
(NCA CASI) is a non-governmental, voluntary organization that accredits more
than 9,000 public and private schools in 19 states, the Navajo Nation, and the
Department of Defense Dependents' Schools worldwide.
How does a school become accredited?
To earn accreditation, schools must meet NCA CASI's standard and criteria, be
evaluated by an outside group of professionals, and implement a school improvement
plan focused on increasing student performance. Accreditation is voluntary and
must be renewed each year.
Why did NCA CASI develop standard and criteria
for early childhood education?
NCA CASI has long recognized the importance of high quality early childhood
education as part of the seamless schooling opportunities available for children.
After several years of study, we decided to develop and adopt accreditation
standards in an effort to help schools prepare students for success as they
transition from early childhood programs to elementary school. We also wanted
to respond to the many requests we received from interested early childhood
education providers.
How were the standard and criteria developed?
NCA CASI developed the standard and criteria in collaboration with the Department
of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). The design team included early childhood
education specialists from DoDEA, early childhood education college professors,
and NCA CASI staff. The team reviewed existing standards for early childhood
education programs and the latest research on the components of quality early
childhood education programs. The team then crafted the standard and criteria,
which were widely circulated for review, comment, and editing. DoDEA early childhood
education programs are currently implementing the standard and criteria and
piloting the visit protocol.
Why are there two sets of standard and criteria for
early childhood education programs?
NCA CASI has developed two sets of standards for early childhood education programs.
The first group of standards is integrated into the current Standard and Criteria
for Elementary, Middle Level, Secondary, and Unit Schools (Combined book). The
second set is a new set, Standard and Criteria for Early Childhood Education.
The standard and criteria in the combined book are for early childhood programs within a school district, those that have been outsourced by a district, or that are within a traditional public or private school. The standards are integrated to ensure seamless transition as students move from early childhood programs into the regular school program. They assume the program is part of a larger entity.
The standard and criteria for freestanding early childhood programs are for those with no district or other affiliation. These standard and criteria assume the programs are idependent operating entities.
What is the definition of early childhood education
programs?
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.
What are the main components of the standard and
criteria for early childhood programs?
The standard and criteria cover five main areas:
School improvement plan
Information system
Process of schooling
Vision, leadership-governance, & school community
Resource allocation
Highlights include criteria designed to ensure that the school has:
A broad, appropriate early childhood curriculum designed to meet individual
intellectual, emotional, physical, and social needs
Age-appropriate activities, equipment, and materials
A continuous improvement plan based on data
Qualified staff
Appropriate student-to-staff ratios
Adequate space and a safe environment
Active family involvement
Click here to view a copy of the complete standard and criteria.
Why should a school pursue early childhood education accreditation?
External Stamp of Quality
NCA accreditation is an external sign of excellence that can be used to assure
parents and the public that the school is meeting standards and implementing
a continuous improvement plan.
Articulation
By embedding the quality principles of accreditation at the early childhood
level, schools prepare students for success as they transition to the next level
of schooling.
Peer Review and Support
NCA CASI coordinates peer review visits to schools pursuing accreditation. This
process offers teachers and administrators an opportunity to gain valuable input
from their peers as well as visit, review and analyze the practices and plans
of other schools.
Continuous Improvement
NCA CASI supports schools in their effort to improve. Peer visits focus on helping
schools improve their programs so that all students can be successful as they
make their transition to elementary school.
School Improvement Services and Support
NCA CASI offers a wide range of professional development opportunities and personalized
assistance to support your school improvement efforts. In addition, we have
a variety of publications, resources, and tools to assist you, including: our
Journal of School Improvement, e-News, fax best practice series, school improvement
handbooks, data analysis software, and website.
How do I begin the application process for
accreditation?
Contact the NCA CASI office at 1-800-525-9517 to obtain application information.
Where can I get additional information?
To learn more about NCA CASI early childhood education accreditation, you can
contact the NCA CASI office at 1-800-525-9517.
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