Although accreditation is not required to participate in Quality First, Quality First recognizes accredited programs through a different assessment process.
Accredited programs are assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) only and are not assessed using the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) as part of the formal assessment process. Accredited programs that do not meet CLASS thresholds for a Quality (3-star) or higher will earn a Progressing Star (2-star).
NAEYC has updated its accreditation system to include three levels: Recognition, Accreditation, and Accreditation Plus.
Quality First recognizes the following NAEYC statuses as accredited:
- NAEYC Accreditation
- NAEYC Accreditation Plus
Programs at the NAEYC Recognition level are not considered accredited by Quality First and will complete the standard assessment process using ERS and CLASS, as outlined in the Participant Guide.