Accreditation is based on substantial compliance. Because licensing standards are established as minimal standards, the assumption is that they must all be met with an equal level of compliance. Licensing is government regulated. Accreditation is professionally sponsored. Licensing punishes noncompliance.
Accreditation recognizes achievement.
One of the most pressing questions regarding the accreditation system is how well it achieves its goal of bringing about change and improvement in programs. Whitebrook found that accredited centres in the United States employed staff with more formal education, higher levels of early childhood education and more experience than non-accredited centres. 16 Accredited centres had more developmentally appropriate curriculum, more playroom staff, and better infant and toddler ratios. Teachers were viewed as more sensitive in their interactions and engaged in more appropriate caregiving. Accredited centres paid better wages and provided better working conditions.