NAEYC is the National Association for the Education for Young Children. NAEYC accreditation is just an additional accreditation centers can get on top of state accreditation. NAEYC is a great organization, but it does cost extra. NAEYC has different standards as far as teacher/staff ratio, etc.

I worked at a NAEYC accredited center that was working so hard to fill all of the standards and requirements that I felt some things fell by the wayside and therefore the center suffered. I worked at a preschool that wasn't NAEYC accredited and they were fantastic. Aside from the teacher/staff ratio, having to create portfolios depicting all of the NAEYC standards, the paperwork etc I felt as if there really wasn't a big advantage either way.

I once read a centers letter to aprents about why they were choosing not to continue their accredidation. While the acredidation did make me confident in a center when I was looking, I felt that the school was making a very reasonable choice for themselves in terms of the cost and some of the logistical requirements. They had a parent run snack program (fruit only) that would have had to be discontinued..

Not a big deal. Staff turnover rates and state inspection records are a much better indicator of a quality center.

Agree with others. Accreditation is very time consuming and expensive so many schools opt to put resources elsewhere.

It's a nice thing and ensures certain standards are met. But I wouldn't let it be determinative.

^^ is correct. There are many centers that meet most if not all of the requirements for NAEYC, but due to the cost and hassle do not pursue accreditation. You might want to familiarize yourself with the kinds of elements NAEYC look for, as many of them are good requirements that you would want your child's preschool to have, and see if the school has those elements.

I don't think you need to worry. It costs money to get the accredidation, so a lot of schools don't have it. It'll make you good little school cheaper. Plus, go observe and talk to other parents. If you like what you see and hear, you should be fine.

Is it important that a preschool be NAEYC accredited? None in our neighborhood are but they seem like good little schools. Should I be worried?