KCCTO’s Accreditation Supports

Earn Your National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation with KCCTO Support

Are you a Kansas Family Child Care Provider ready to elevate your program?

KCCTO is here to guide you through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation process—step by step, with full support.

Why Accreditation?

  • Recognizes your commitment to high-quality care
  • Builds your professional credibility
  • Strengthens your small business
  • Connects you to a network of dedicated providers

What’s Included:

  • Paid Accreditation Bundle (Self-Study + Application)
  • Monthly Peer Zoom Meetings
  • One-on-One Support from an Accreditation Specialist
  • On-Site Visits to Your Program
  • Step-by-Step Coaching
  • Connections to Local, State & National Networks

Your Path to Accreditation

The NAFCC Accreditation process is designed to be thorough yet flexible (6 months to 3 years), allowing programs to engage in continuous quality improvement at a manageable pace.

  1. Readiness Consultation
  2. Enroll in Self-Study
  3. Complete the Self-Study and training requirements (6months – 3 years)
  4. Join Monthly Peer & Individual Support Meetings
  5. Receive On-Site Guidance
  6. Submit Your Application
  7. Prepare for the NAFCC Observation Visit
  8. Celebrate Your Accreditation!

Let’s Get Started.

To ensure a great fit and set you up for success, you’ll be asked to complete a readiness consultation and program assessment before securing a spot on the waitlist. But first, go ahead and fill out the interest form so that we can connect with you and explain more.

Interest Form

We’re here to help and answer any questions. Contact an Accreditation Support Specialist today.

Jennifer McWilliams: jlmcwilliams@ksu.edu | 785-532-7197

Kasarah Rodd: kbrodd@ksu.edu | 785-532-7197

KCCTO was honored with the Accreditation Facilitation Project of the Year Award by NAFCC in 2025

Center-Based Accreditation Support Program

Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO) is excited to support center-based programs interested in pursuing National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).

What is NECPA Accreditation?

  • This process demonstrates a center’s commitment to high-quality, research-based learning experiences and helps reinforce its reputation for excellence.
  • NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation) is a nationally recognized standard that signifies excellence in early childhood education.
  • Centers achieve accreditation by meeting rigorous criteria in staff qualifications, curriculum, learning environment, health and safety, family engagement, and program operations.

NECPA Accreditation Process

The NECPA accreditation process is designed to be thorough yet flexible (9 months to 2 years), allowing centers to engage in continuous quality improvement at a manageable pace.

1. Enrollment & Self-Study: Centers reflect on current practices and align them with NECPA standards.

2. Verification Visit: NECPA specialists conduct an on-site review to assess program quality.

  • This process demonstrates a center’s commitment to high-quality, research-based learning experiences and helps reinforce its reputation for excellence.

3. Accreditation Decision: Centers that meet the standards receive a three-year accreditation award.

  • Annual Report Fee (Covered by the Center):$275 per year for maintaining compliance.

What Does the KCCTO Accreditation Support Program Provide?

  • Individualized Technical Assistance: Each center enrolled in the NECPA accreditation process will receive support from an experienced Accreditation Support Specialist.
  • Professional Development Resources: Directors and staff will have access to essential resources, including CLASS observations and tools, to enhance classroom environments and teaching practices.
  • Monthly Cohort Meetings: Join virtual cohort meetings with other center directors to share experiences, resources, and solutions. These monthly sessions create a collaborative community of support.
  • Accreditation Fee Support: The program covers NECPA accreditation-related fees, including: enrollment fees, validation visit fees, membership fees for center directors and key staff

Ready to Learn More?

If you’d like to explore the NECPA accreditation process and how KCCTO can support your center, connect directly with Sarah Holmes, KCCTO Accreditation & Professional Development Specialist:

Sarah Holmes: sjholmes@ksu.edu | 785-477-0566

Schedule a Meeting Here

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