Leading the Way for Franklin County’s Children and Families

NAEYC reviews programs using research-based standards, documentation, and onsite classroom observations (required for Accreditation+). Programs must demonstrate quality across multiple areas of practice.

NAEYC looks for quality in these areas:

• Relationships & Teaching: warm interactions and effective teaching practices

• Learning & Curriculum: intentional learning experiences that support development

• Health, Safety & Environment: safe spaces and healthy routines

• Family & Community Partnerships: strong collaboration with families and community

• Staff & Leadership: prepared staff, support systems, and strong program management

What it takes to earn NAEYC accreditation
Programs must meet at least 80% of assessed criteria in each of the 10 standard areas and at least 70% of assessed criteria in each classroom observed.

How First Start performed
First Start met 94% of all assessed criteria, and 100% of classrooms observed scored 98% or higher (six scored 100%).

View the full 10 NAEYC standards

Accreditation is a signal to families and the community that a program prioritizes high-quality learning experiences and continuous improvement.

Benefits 

• High-quality teaching & learning: Standards emphasize developmentally appropriate learning experiences and effective teaching practices.

• Health & safety you can trust: Programs are evaluated on health practices and safe environments.

• Stronger family partnerships: NAEYC standards include family engagement and collaboration.

• Consistency across classrooms: Quality expectations apply across the program—not just one room.

Accreditation+ reflects a long-term commitment: meeting national standards today and sustaining them through ongoing accountability and improvement.

At First Start, quality is not a one-time achievement—it’s how we operate. Earning Accreditation+ means our practices are verified through onsite review and strengthened through ongoing quality assurance.

Quality promise

• We follow NAEYC’s research-based standards across our programs.
• We welcome accountability through onsite validation and continued quality assurance.
• We use evidence and reflection to keep improving—because children and families deserve our best.

1) What is NAEYC?
NAEYC is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (the largest professional organization for early childhood educators) and sets widely used, research-based standards for high-quality early learning programs.

2) What does Accreditation+ (A+) mean?
Accreditation+ (A+) is NAEYC’s highest accountability tier and includes required onsite visits and additional quality assurance.

3) How do families benefit from accreditation?
Accreditation signals that a program prioritizes high-quality learning experiences, family trust, and continuous improvement.

4) What does NAEYC Accreditation+ (A+) mean for my child’s day-to-day experience?
It means your child is learning in an environment that meets national quality standards. Focused on safe, nurturing relationships, developmentally appropriate learning, and consistent routines that support growth and school readiness.

5) How does First Start partner with families?
We build strong relationships with families through regular communication, shared goals for children, and support that connects families to resources. Children thrive when schools and families work together.

6) Does Accreditation+ include classroom observations?
Yes—Accreditation+ includes required onsite visits and may include random visits as part of ongoing accountability.

7) Where can I learn more about the accreditation system?
NAEYC provides an overview of the Early Learning Program Quality Assessment & Accreditation system and how it works.