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NAEYC has two accreditation systems designed to support high quality early care and education of young children.

College Students

Accreditation of Associate Degree Programs

​The NAEYC Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation awards accreditation to associate degree programs that demonstrate evidence of meeting the Professional Preparation Standards. Accreditation provides a framework for self study, external evaluation and improvement in the quality of teacher preparation programs. 

The following programs are NAEYC accredited:

Arapahoe Community College 
A.A. Early Childhood Teacher Education 

Colorado Mountain College 
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education 

Front Range Community College (program fully available online) 
A.A. Early Childhood Education for Transfer 

Pikes Peak Community College
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education 

Red Rocks Community College
A.A. Early Childhood Teacher Education
A.A.S. Early Childhood Education  

Accreditation of Programs for Young Children

Since 1985, NAEYC has offered a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and to help families identify high-quality programs. Today, NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. Over 6,500 child care programs, preschools, early learning centers, and other center- or school-based early childhood education programs are currently NAEYC-Accredited. These programs provide high quality care and education to nearly one million young children in the United States, its territories, and programs affiliated with the United States Department of Defense.

​For all questions and support related to accreditation, please visit naeyc.org/accrediation or click here. COAEYC is not involved in the accreditation process and cannot offer assistance.

Note: Colorado Shines QRIS offers an alternative pathway to programs with NAEYC Accreditation. Colorado Shines accepts the standards and requirements NAEYC Accreditation as an alternative pathway to Level 4.

Accreditaton of Degree
Accreditation of ECE Progra

COAEYC

The Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children (COAEYC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and is an affiliate of NAEYC.

Email: coaeyc@coloradoaeyc.org

Address: 7850 Vance Dr. Ste #280
Arvada, Colorado 80003

Phone: (970) 633-2294

© 2021 by the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children. Proudly created with Wix.com

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