Once a program has achieved Accredited Member, they enter the maintenance phase of accreditation and embark on a six (6) year cycle. Each year of the cycle is marked with a review of the program’s dashboard and annual report form. Over the course of the six years, all aspects of the program, curriculum, and operations will be assessed.
Years of the Cycle
- Year 1, Year 2, Year 4, Year 5
In each of these years, programs will have a review of their Dashboard and will submit an annual report online.
- Year 3 – Mid-Cycle
Like years 1, 2, 4, and 5, programs will have a review of their Dashboard and will submit an annual report online. (see Year 1, Year 2, Year 4, Year 5 above for more information). During Year 3, each program will participate in a one-person peer consultation. The purpose is to offer collegial and collaborative consultation on an aspect of the program. Centers, with the assistance of their assigned Accreditation Commissioner, will arrange for their peer visit and set the agenda for the consultation. The program’s educator will add a one page reflection on the consultation to the program’s portfolio. This is not an official accreditation site visit, but rather one for building collegiality and developing external relationships.
- Year 6
The final year of the accreditation cycle consists of a self-study completed by the program, a comprehensive portfolio review, and a three member visit. National Site Team chairs and site team members are trained and selected by the Accreditation Commission. Upon completion of the review, the site team sends its initial report to the program, whereupon the program responds. The site team then sends its final report to the Accreditation Commission for review. After reviewing the site team’s final report, the Accreditation Commission will take action. See 6 year Site Visit Plan for more information.