Teachers' Lounge
Enhance quality and capacity in your child care program.
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You're committed to providing high-quality child care, and we're here to help you reach the next level. Our essential tools and resources go beyond accreditation, offering comprehensive support to enhance both the quality and capacity of your program.
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Whether you need accreditation guidance, business consulting, or workforce retention and recruitment tools, we provide what you need to succeed. With our help, you can strengthen your program and prepare more children for a lifetime of learning and achievement.​​​
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​​​Accreditation Rules and Deadlines
Learn what you need to know to begin the accreditation process.
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Accrediting Bodies and Resources
Discover process details about each accrediting agency.​​​
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Learn more about how to select the right accreditation program.​​​​
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​​​Helpful Child Care Provider Links
Caring for kids starts with caring for providers. Explore free tools, benefits, and support services.
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Learn how to create safe sleep environments in your child care program from day one.
Accreditation Rules
Oklahoma Human Services rules state that all 5-star child care programs must obtain accreditation from a Child Care Services (CCS) approved national accrediting organization.
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National accreditation is the highest level of certification child care providers can receive. Maintaining high standards through accreditation benefits child care providers and improves outcomes for children.
Accrediting Bodies and Resources
Learn more about the process and find a detailed breakdown for every approved national accrediting agency below.
APPLE
​APPLE accreditation is an affordable,
respected option for child care providers,
emphasizing quality and best practices.
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ACSI
ACSI is best suited for child care programs with faith-based education centers. as this accreditation option requires biblical integration and faith-based curriculum.
NAC
NAC is Ideal for a Head Start, community, and other private programs seeking a quicker start towards national accreditation.
Cognia
Cognia offers broad accreditation for
larger centers, emphasizing data-driven
improvement and professional
development, though its higher cost may
be a drawback.
CARF
CARF is best suited for child care centers
that focus on special needs and behavioral
health. To achieve some accreditations
through CARF, staff training in special
education is required.
COA
The Council on Accreditation (COA) is ideal for programs with an after-school option.
NAEYC
NAEYC Accreditation is designed to
support programs of all types and sizes
that focus on high-quality childhood
education with rigorous standards and
higher staff education requirements.
NECPA
NECPA is best suited for active QRIS
5-star rated programs (as this rating
is required), including center-based
and family child care home providers.
NAFCC
NAFCC is the only option solely for Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs).
Helpful Child Care Provider Links
Oklahoma Strong
Start Program
Free child care benefits to eligible employees working in licensed child care facilities.
Telehealth Services
Free telemedicine and teletherapy services for licensed child care professionals in Oklahoma.
Thrive Network
Free resources, professional development and peer connection for Oklahoma home child care providers and prospective providers.
OK Shared Services
Offers an extensive hub of tools accessible to support the needs of child care providers and their programs.