Teachers' Lounge
​Find the essential tools and accreditation resources you need as a child care provider below, including information on new accreditation rules as they take effect.
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High-quality child care sets the stage for school readiness — and accreditation helps you reach and maintain the highest levels of excellence.
Research shows that children who receive high-quality early care enter kindergarten with stronger math, language and social skills — setting them up for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
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​​​New Accreditation Rules and Deadlines
Learn what you need to know to begin the accreditation process.
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Find out how to get your free self-study kit.
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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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New Accreditation Rules
With the approval of new Oklahoma Human Services rules, all 5-star child care programs must obtain accreditation from a Child Care Services (CCS) approved national accrediting organization to maintain their current rating.
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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.
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Learn more about the new accreditation deadlines to maintain a 5-star rating below.​​​
Deadlines
June 20, 2025
By this date, 5-star programs
must submit proof of accreditation
or proof of an accreditation application submission.
(Once completed, child care centers must send their verification to QRIS@okdhs.org with the subject line “Accreditation Verification.” In the email, they must include their program’s name and license number.) ​​
September 1, 2025
By this date, all 5-star programs must provide full proof of accreditation. Programs that do not meet these deadlines will be subject to the reduction process.
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If an extension is needed, please send a written request to Oklahoma Human Services by September 12, 2025.
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Qualified providers will be granted an extension through December 31, 2025.
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Additional extension time beyond December 31 is possible, pending final decision by the accrediting body.
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,
though it may lack the national recognition
of Cognia or NAEYC.
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ACSI
ACSI is best suited for child care programs with faith-based education, as this accreditation option requires biblical integration and faith-based curriculum.
NAC
NAC offers a flexible, cost-effective
alternative to NAEYC, making it ideal for
diverse programs. With a 6-month self-study
period and faster processing than
others, this option is ideal for a quick start.
Cognia
Cognia offers broad accreditation for
larger centers, emphasizing data-driven
improvement and professional
development, though its higher cost may
be a drawback.
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.
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.
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.
COA
The Council on Accreditation (COA) is ideal for licensed behavioral health programs.
NAFCC
NAFCC is the only option solely for Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs).
