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Quality child care lays the foundation for school success!

 

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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Find the essential tools and resources you need as a child care provider below, including information on new accreditation rules as they take effect.

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​​​New Accreditation Rules and Deadlines

Learn what you need to know to begin the accreditation process.

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Accreditation Support Program

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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​​​Consulting Services

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.​​​

 

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Deadlines

April 10, 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. â€‹â€‹

 

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Accreditation Support Program

We have limited resources available  to cover the cost of self-study kits  for current 5-star licensed child care programs seeking national accreditation. Fill out the form to request assistance!

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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.

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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

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Consulting Services

Are you a provider that needs help selecting the right accreditation program? We fund Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) offices to provide business consulting to licensed providers. Find an office near you!

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