If the applicant is judged to be in substantial compliance with the Academy's criteria by members of the commission, accreditation is granted for a 3-year period. The National Association for Family Child Care accredits family day care homes that offer high quality child care services. The purpose of the accreditation is to offer professional recognition and consumer distinction to those providers who meet these high standards of quality child care. Accreditation is intended for those licensed providers who have demonstrated a commitment to reach beyond these minimum requirements to achieve standards of excellence. The Child Development Associate is a credential offered to individuals who work with young children by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.
Bilingual specializations are also available.