Gain Local and Internationally Recognized Excellence in Early Childhood Education Certification for Your Programs!

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NECPA currently recognizes thousands of early education programs across multiple countries, including the United States, Spain, East Asia, and beyond. Through this partnership, ACE members now have access to NECPA’s internationally respected certification process in Canada—an exciting opportunity for programs committed to excellence in early learning.

View NECPA Quality Assurance Standards

ACE has partnered with NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation)—an internationally recognized organization that offers a comprehensive quality assurance process. Programs that meet and exceed NECPA’s core early childhood quality standards are awarded its prestigious Excellence in Early Childhood Education Certification.

ACE has partnered with NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation)

Access to exceptional early childhood education helps lay a strong foundation for community well-being—supporting families, encouraging neighborhood stability, and contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.

Communities

Reliable, high-standard early learning programs contribute to improved workplace stability by reducing employee absenteeism and enhancing overall morale and productivity, thanks to consistent and trusted care for their children.

Employers

When programs are recognized for their commitment to quality, families gain peace of mind knowing their children are in nurturing, stimulating, and secure environments that prioritize their well-being and growth.

Families

Young children thrive in high-quality programs that offer attentive care within a safe and supportive setting. These environments provide age-appropriate, engaging learning experiences that foster each child’s development and respond to their individual needs.

Children

Who Benefits Quality Excellence Recognition?

Download the NECPA Standards

NECPA uses a research-driven quality evaluation tool developed by Dr. Richard Fiene. This system is based on key quality indicators- specific criteria proven to predict overall program quality and positive outcomes for children.

Over the past 25 years, this indicator-based system has been refined through extensive studies across the U.S. and Canada. By focusing on the most meaningful indicators, the system reduces unnecessary complexity while ensuring a thorough and reliable assessment.

NECPA’s Standards: A Research-Based Framework

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Whether you are a licensed day home, a community- or school-based program, an independent center, or part of a larger childcare organization, NECPA can help elevate your quality standards.

As an ACE member, you'll have access to dedicated NECPA support staff who will walk you through every step of the process. From guidance to resources, NECPA provides the tools and hands-on help your program needs to earn recognition in a streamlined, supportive, and efficient way.

The Process and How to Enroll

*All fees are set in USD. The Canadian dollar (CAD) equivalents shown are approximations only and are subject to change based on the daily exchange rate. All fees are non-refundable and subject to change without prior notice.

As an ACE member, you gain access to NECPA’s internationally recognized Quality Certification process. Pricing is set by NECPA and varies based on the size and type of your program.

Cost & Access to NECPA Certification

$74.95 (2 yr)

$59.95 (2 yr)

$350

$650

Certified Childcare Professional (CCP)

The National Administrator Credential (NAC)

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credential fees

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Designed for early childhood educators who effectively promote children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development; Professionals exhibiting standards of excellence in child care and early childhood education are recognized through the awarding of The CCP.

The CCP

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Developed for center directors, emerging leaders and child care professionals, the National Administrator Credential (NAC) is a comprehensive, 45 hour course conducted on-site and online, and is an award for demonstrated mastery of child care administration skills.

The NAC

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As part of the ACE–NECPA collaboration, ACE members gain access to a suite of valuable tools and supports designed to simplify and strengthen your journey toward quality certification. These resources are included with your membership to help you succeed at every step.

Member Resources through the ACE–NECPA Partnership

This page of videos will assist your program through each step of the accreditation process, including award maintenance.

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The NECPA understands the potential benefits of incorporating learning media as an enhancement tool for a child's development. These resources are centered around technology.

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This page provides downloadable resources to help meet your goals of integrating NECPA standards and attaining national recognition for your high quality program.

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Parent & Educator Resources

Program Resources

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NECPA & Accreditation – Your Questions Answered

Isn’t NECPA American?

Yes, NECPA originated in the U.S., but today it’s a global quality standard, with accredited centres in Japan, Spain, and across North America. Through ACE, Canadian operators now have access—bringing international best practice to our sector.

Does this replace licensing?

No. Licensing is the minimum requirement for everyone. NECPA is a voluntary, higher standard that goes above and beyond regulations to showcase excellence.

What if the government changes?

NECPA is independent of government funding and politics. Standards remain stable regardless of policy shifts or party changes. That means no matter who is in power, accreditation is secure and consistent.

Why does this matter for my centre?

Accreditation proves quality. It helps you stand apart, builds parent trust, and strengthens your program with professional growth, mentorship, and resources.

Why only ACE members?

ACE is a membership-driven, operator-led organization — not tied to government funding or political agendas. Because we are operators ourselves, this partnership ensures accreditation is implemented with the realities of childcare in mind, not policy ideology. Keeping this within ACE protects independence and ensures accreditation is for operators, by operators.

How do we know this is a good system? What research backs it?

NECPA has over 30 years of experience and its standards are rooted in nonpartisan, evidence-based research, not government policy shifts. Its 29 quality indicators are internationally recognized and proven to improve educator practice, leadership, and child outcomes.

NECPA accreditation is grounded in decades of research. Its key – predictor model comes from Dr. Richard Fiene’s 25+ years of studies across the U.S. and Canada. The standards themselves are based on well-established national health, safety, and developmental frameworks. NECPA is globally recognized and independently validated through pilot testing of its self-assessment tools. In contrast, many government ratings have shown limited or inconsistent improvements in child outcomes, reinforcing the strength of accreditation that focuses on learning interactions, program excellence, and continuous improvement.

Why invest in accreditation instead of pushing government to raise regulations?

Regulations set the baseline, but accreditation is about going above and beyond. Government improvements are often slow and change with politics. NECPA provides a stable, nonpartisan, operator-led system that elevates quality now, without waiting years for political processes.

Some provinces already have quality measures — why is this different?

Regulations set the baseline, but accreditation is about going above and beyond. Government improvements are often slow and change with politics. NECPA provides a stable, nonpartisan, operator-led system that elevates quality now, without waiting years for political processes.

Isn’t this creating a two-tiered system that’s unfair to parents?

No. Every licensed program must meet regulations. Accreditation is voluntary for those who want to show they go beyond the minimum. Parents benefit because they can clearly see which centres are investing in higher standards and professional growth. Accreditation isn’t about taking away access; it’s about giving parents transparency and choice. All centres must meet regulations, but accreditation highlights those that are willing to invest in continuous quality improvement. Families deserve to know which programs go further.

Does ACE only support for-profit centres? Is this about charging parents more?

Absolutely not. ACE represents all licensed models — nonprofit, for-profit, and home-based programs. Accreditation is not about profit; it’s about quality of care and putting children first. It’s about trust, safety, and raising the bar across the sector.

We already have regulations — isn’t that enough? Shouldn’t government just improve them?

Regulations are important, but they only set the baseline. Improving regulations is slow, political, and inconsistent across provinces. Accreditation is immediate, voluntary, and operator-led. It allows programs to demonstrate excellence today, not wait for government change tomorrow.

Why should I pay for this?

Accreditation is an investment, not an expense. It builds credibility with families, strengthens your staff through professional development, and positions your centre as a leader in quality. Parents are looking for transparency and assurance — accreditation provides exactly that.

I already have a waitlist. Why would I need this?

Demand may be high today, but parents are becoming increasingly discerning. Accreditation is about more than filling spots — it’s about building long-term trust, reputation, and resilience for your centre. Accreditation demonstrates that you don’t just meet the minimum; you strive for excellence.

How can I afford this?

NECPA is independent, peer-driven, and not government funded, which keeps the process impartial. Fees are structured to be accessible, with supports for small, rural, and home-based programs. Think of it as part of your quality growth strategy — one that strengthens your program and provides tools you can use every day.

Why is it not open to everyone? That doesn’t seem fair.

Accreditation only has meaning if it’s voluntary and pursued by those committed to higher standards. If it were automatic or open to everyone without commitment, it would no longer set programs apart. This is about showcasing leadership in quality.

Staff wages are the real issue — how does accreditation help educators?

Accreditation helps educators by shining a light on the value of their work and contributing to the professionalization of the sector. It opens doors to ongoing professional development and mentorship, ensuring staff feel supported and have opportunities to grow in their practice. By linking quality outcomes directly to educator training and stability, accreditation also gives operators a stronger case to advocate for improved wages and working conditions. Just as importantly, the process boosts morale and retention, since accreditation formally recognizes and invests in the role educators play in delivering high-quality care.

We had an accreditation system before that was tied to grants and staff wage top-ups. Why doesn’t this program offer that incentive?

Previous government-run accreditation systems were tied directly to funding or political priorities, which meant that when governments changed or budgets shifted, programs risked losing both the accreditation framework and the financial supports attached to it. That instability left operators and educators vulnerable, with quality measures rising and falling depending on politics.

NECPA is different. Because it is independent of government funding and politics, it provides stability and credibility that doesn’t disappear with a change in party power. Accreditation under NECPA is pursued for the right reasons — to prove excellence, strengthen programs, and build trust with families — not simply because there’s a cheque attached.

While financial incentives might encourage participation in the short term, they can create a “checkbox” mentality where the focus becomes the grant rather than quality. Voluntary accreditation ensures that only operators who are truly committed to raising the bar participate, which gives families more meaningful assurance that their centre has invested in excellence, not just compliance.

In the long run, this model is actually stronger for staff as well. By demonstrating program quality, educator development, and stability through accreditation, operators can make a clearer case for better wages, staff benefits, and funding supports at the policy level — tied to proven outcomes, not political cycles.

Shouldn’t funding be universal instead of creating voluntary layers?

Accreditation doesn’t replace funding or regulation. It’s an additional, voluntary tool to raise quality across the sector. By showing leadership and proving excellence, operators can advocate more strongly for sustainable funding and recognition for staff wages across all models.

Does accreditation support staff with benefits like health and dental?

Accreditation goes hand-in-hand with ACE membership, which offers operators access to group benefits that can include health, dental, and wellness supports. These benefits help attract and retain qualified staff by giving educators the security and recognition they deserve.

How does this help with attracting and keeping qualified educators?

Recruitment and retention are some of the greatest challenges in childcare. Accreditation shows educators they are valued and working in a program committed to excellence. Centres that invest in quality through accreditation and offer access to ACE’s benefits, professional supports, and recognition are more likely to keep dedicated staff long-term.

What about professional development and training requirements?

Accreditation requires ongoing professional development and training, which means educators in accredited centres are continually growing in their skills and practice. This is not about meeting a one-time bar — it’s about continuous improvement. Educators benefit from mentorship, access to evidence-based practices, and a professional framework that validates their expertise.

Why does accreditation matter for staff?

Accreditation recognizes the central role of educators in delivering quality care. It professionalizes the workforce, supports staff with real tools and benefits, and provides a structure that ties high-quality outcomes to the training, stability, and well-being of educators. In short, it shows staff that their work isn’t just valued — it’s essential.

What is Accreditation & Why Does it Matter for Families?

Isn’t childcare already licensed?

Yes — every licensed program must meet minimum government standards. Accreditation is different. It goes above and beyond licensing to show a program’s commitment to excellence, not just the minimum.

Who is NECPA?

The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) is a respected, independent quality body with over 30 years of experience. It’s trusted in centres around the world — from the U.S. to Japan and Spain — and now available in Canada through ACE.

Why should parents care?

Because it’s about trust and transparency. Accreditation looks at the things parents value most: teacher-child interactions, learning experiences, health and safety, and family engagement. When you see that a program is accredited, you know it has met a higher standard of care.

Can politics change this?

No. NECPA is independent from government funding and politics. That means even if governments or policies change, the quality standards stay the same — families can always count on it.

What does this mean for my child?

It means your child is in a program that’s committed to going beyond the basics — delivering the safest, most supportive, and highest-quality environment possible.

Why isn’t every program accredited?

All licensed programs meet minimum government requirements. Accreditation is voluntary — it’s for programs that want to show they go further. Parents should see accreditation as a signal of excellence: a program that chose to invest extra time and resources to prove its quality.

How do I know this system is credible?

NECPA accreditation has been trusted for more than 30 years internationally, and its standards are based on independent, nonpartisan research. It is not tied to politics or government agendas, which means families can rely on it no matter what changes in policy or funding happen in their province.

How does this help my child’s educators?

Accreditation strengthens staff support through mentorship, training, and access to professional development. Educators in accredited centres are recognized for their expertise, which leads to greater job satisfaction and retention. For families, this means more stability — the same trusted faces caring for their children each day.

Will accreditation make my child’s program safer?

Accreditation strengthens staff support through mentorship, training, and access to professional development. Educators in accredited centres are recognized for their expertise, which leads to greater job satisfaction and retention. For families, this means more stability — the same trusted faces caring for their children each day.

Does this mean fees will go up for parents?

No. Accreditation is not about charging families more — it’s about giving them greater confidence and transparency. Operators choose to pursue accreditation because they believe in excellence. Families benefit by knowing their centre meets a higher, voluntary standard of care without additional burden on parents.