An accredited program is one where the provider has completed an extensive self-study training program by the National Association for Family Child Care.  The program teaches the provider to enhance her/his program to the highest of quality in the following areas: the environment, health & safety, communicating with families, interacting with the children, food & nutrition, curriculum, etc.  The family child care program is assessed as well as the provider and any assistants to ensure that high-quality care is given on a regular basis.  The program is observed by a NAFCC rep and if successful, is accredited for a period of three years.  For more information, please refer to the website at www.nafcc.org

The association  received full scholarships from First 5 Solano in February 2007, for four members to particiapte in the NAFCC Accreditation Training Program.  Congratulations to Marsha Alexander, Lucy Andris, Janice Cowart and June Regis, the scholarship recipients.  Three other members who decided to seek accreditation on their own, Yvette Dempsey, Kimberlee Monero and Oakcretta Thompson, are also part of the team.  The training program is facilitated by Sharon Coleman, who is an Accreditation Observer and has had her child care program accredited twice.

The group meets monthly to learn about the standards set forth by NAFCC and take turns hosting the meetings in their child care facilities, so that everyone has an opportunity to see the creative and uniqueness of each environment.  Each provider committed to a one-year training process and some of the subjects covered are health & safety, contracts & business managemet, interacting with children and families, child development, and how children play, just to name a few  The facilitator visits each program and works with the provider to do an assessment and see what, if any, changes will be made to enhance the environment.  The 1-2 hour visits also allow the facilitator to come and watch how the provider interacts with the children and what curriculum and daily routines they follow.