In most states, licensing is supervised by social service agencies or departments of education, public health, or child welfare. There may also be state, federal, and local requirements. You should note that some child care centers are exempt from licensing requirements. Licensing guidelines serve as a baseline for minimum standards. Laboratory schools in colleges or universities, Head Start, and other federally funded agencies have their own standards which are usually higher.
Accreditation is voluntary.
These centers are held to higher standards in several categories. The most important reasons to try to find an accredited center is that they pay particular attention to health and safety, the teacher-pupil ratio is low, and the teachers are required to possess more training and qualifications. While child care centers have a responsibility to your child, remember that you do too. The health lessons your child must practice in order to live must be learned from you and be second nature to him or her. Handwashing should be as natural as breathing.