State Approvals

This course is approved or accepted for continuing education credit for child care professionals in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, HI, ID, IL, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OR, SD, TX, UT, VT, WY Instructions to access this course will be sent by email.

About this Course

This course provides early childhood educators, administrators, and program leaders with a comprehensive overview of the accreditation process and its role in promoting high-quality early learning environments. Participants will explore the purpose of accreditation, the standards used to evaluate program quality, and the steps required to achieve and maintain accreditation through nationally recognized accrediting organizations. The course examines the key components of the accreditation process, including self-assessment, program improvement planning, documentation, and external evaluation. Participants will gain an understanding of the major accrediting organizations serving early childhood programs and learn how accreditation supports continuous quality improvement, accountability, and professional excellence. In addition, the course explores the benefits of accreditation for children, families, educators, and organizations. Topics include enhanced educational outcomes, increased family confidence, improved staff development opportunities, and stronger program credibility within the community. The relationship between accreditation and Quality Rating Systems (QRS) is also examined, highlighting how quality initiatives contribute to higher standards of care and education. Participants will investigate the broader impacts of accreditation and quality improvement efforts on child development, school readiness, long-term educational success, and community well-being. Emphasis is placed on understanding how quality early childhood programs serve as a foundation for positive lifelong outcomes for children and families. 🌟 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 🌟 ✔️ Washington State ​Nexport courses are not approved in Washington state to meet annual STARS training requirements. For Washington approved courses, go to https://www.myececlass.com/collections/WASTARS. ✔️ ​Course Information This online course is delivered in English and consists of 3 hours (.3 CEU) of instruction. It is designed to be self-paced, allowing you to complete the material at your convenience. ​✔️ Accessing the Course Upon enrollment, you will receive an email with the necessary details to access the online training platform. Be sure to check your inbox and any spam or junk folders for this information. ✔️ Device Compatibility The training platform is mobile-friendly, and most students find it functions well on cell phones and tablets. However, for an optimal learning experience, using a laptop or desktop computer is recommended. ​✔️ ​Regulatory Compliance The course content reflects standard industry practices. However, it is important to follow any specific regulations set by your state or county to ensure full compliance with local requirements. ✔️ ​Enrollment Period Your enrollment in this course is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. Be sure to complete the course within this timeframe to retain access.