NAEYC's commitment to the program administrators and teaching staff who pursue quality improvement through NAEYC Accreditation—and to the children and families who ultimately benefit from that inspiring work—has never been stronger. Our fees enable us to support the work of NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs
Fees are based on the number of enrolled children in a program.
Stage 1: Enrollment | Starting at $575
1 to 60 Children $575
61 to 120 Children $675
121 to 240 Children $925
241 to 360 Children $1025
For every additional 120 children Add $125
Stage 3: Candidacy & Site Visit | Starting at $950
1 to 60 children $950
61 to 120 children $1,175
121 to 240 children $1,400
241 to 360 children $1,625
Every additional 120 children Add $235
Fees for Maintaining Accreditation
Annual Accreditation Fee | Starting at $650
1 to 60 children $650
61 to 120 children $750
121 to 240 children $900
241 to 360 children $1025
Every additional 120 children Add $175
Programs pay the accreditation fee (based on current number of students enrolled) at the end of each year. Currently accredited programs that have maintained their accreditation throughout the 5-year term are not assessed a separate renewal fee in addition to the annual accreditation fee.
1 to 60 Children $300
61 to 120 Children $375
121 to 240 children $450
241 to 360 children $550
For every additional 120 children Add $85
Additional Fees
Late Fee | $175
The late fee is $175 regardless of program size. Late fees are assessed if an accredited program fails to submit an annual report by the deadline. If you submit all reports on time, you will never see a late fee!
Overseas Visit Fee | $1,500
The overseas visit fee is $1,500 regardless of program size. Programs located outside of the United States are assessed an overseas visit fee each time a visit is scheduled.
Extension Fee (6 months) | Starting at $375
Based on the program's valid until date, certain programs are eligible for a 12-month extension of the Valid Until Date, certain programs that are not ready to receive a visit at the time of visit scheduling may receive a one-time extension of 6-months. Please see the "Extensions" section of the Site Visit FAQs for information on eligibility. Extension costs are half of an annual accreditation fee (as the accreditation term is being extended by half a year) plus a $50 extension fee which is due at the time the extension is processed. Extensions may only be requested once a program is in the queue for a renewal or candidacy site visit.
Extension Fee (12 months) | $100 + additional annual accreditation fee
Based on the program's valid until date, certain programs are eligible for a 12-month extension of the Valid Until Date. Please see the "Extensions" section of the Site Visit FAQs for information on eligibility. A 12-month extension costs $100 due at the time that the extension is processed. In addition, the program will be required to submit an additional Annual Accreditation Fee due one year before the new (i.e., extended) Valid Until Date.
Site Visit Rescheduling Fee | Starting at $825
Data from the program records and the site visit will be used to make an accreditation decision. The Council for NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation oversees accreditation decisions by determining, reviewing and overseeing the accreditation standards and policies. Programs will receive their Accreditation Decision Report within three months of the site visit with one of the following accreditation decisions.
Accredited for a Five Year Term