Path to Accreditation: Association for Early Learning Leaders

In our previous three-part blog series about the path to accreditation for Early Childhood Education providers, we provided an overview of the accreditation process through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This guide explores the path to accreditation through another leading organization: the Association for Early Learning Leaders (AELL). Keep reading to learn more about the AELL accreditation journey.

What Is the Association for Early Learning Leaders?

The Association for Early Learning Leaders (AELL), formerly the National Association of Child Care Professionals, operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AELL commits to excellence by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality through the National Accreditation Commission’s standards.

Since 1984, the AELL has served childcare owners, directors, and administrators. The organization helps ensure quality child care programs for young children. AELL members gain access to networking and collaboration opportunities, training and education, program quality assurance and accreditation, plus other invaluable membership resources.

Path to AELL Accreditation

The Association for Early Learning Leaders upholds the standards of the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. Below is an overview of the four stages of accreditation through AELL.

Stage 1: Enroll in and Conduct Self-Study

During the self-study phase, parents, staff, and administrators evaluate the program’s strengths and weaknesses. They base their evaluation on the National Accreditation Commission Standards. Programs have a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years to complete the Self-Study and request an onsite visit. Once a program enrolls, it receives the National Accreditation Commission Manual for use throughout the process.

How to Enroll in the Self-Study

Begin the enrollment process by completing the online Self-Study Enrollment Form on the AELL website.

Along with your Self-Study Enrollment Form, upload:

A copy of your program’s current operating license
A copy of your latest licensing inspection report

Complete your enrollment by choosing the fee that matches your License Capacity (not Enrollment).

Important notes:

You will receive the electronic Accreditation Manual via email within 5-10 business days. This timeline begins after the AELL receives your full payment, application, and licensing documentation.
You can also purchase a hard copy of the Accreditation Manual when you submit your enrollment fees.
The Self-Study remains effective for two years from your enrollment date. Programs must submit the Request for Validation Visit and all required support documents before the Self-Study expires.

Key Activities During the Self-Study

During the Self-Study, programs complete these essential activities:

Administrative review: Staff review the program’s administrative procedures using the Administrator’s Report
Classroom assessment: Observers assess classroom practices using the Classroom Observation tool
Surveys: Staff conduct family and employee surveys
Training documentation: Administrators compile the Formal Education and Ongoing Training Log
Document organization: Staff gather and organize supporting documentation as required

Stage 2: Validation Visit

The Validation Visit, or onsite visit, comes next. Programs should request a Validation Visit only after making all improvements and meeting National Accreditation Commission Standards. Before conducting a Validation Visit, the AELL must verify certain requirements through the Validation Visit paperwork. Programs must also submit all mandatory documents related to the request.

Stage 3: Commission Review and Decision

After the Validation Visit, the program awaits an accreditation decision. This process can take up to four months. The validator submits the following to the National Accreditation Commission’s office:

Administrator’s Report
Classroom Observations
Written validator comments
Recorded director responses from the onsite visit

Early Childhood Education professionals with extensive expertise review all documentation. These experts specialize in child development, program administration, and early childhood research. Commission rules determine the final outcome: award, deferral, or denial of accreditation.

Stage 4: Maintaining Accreditation Compliance

Once a program earns accreditation, the onsite director must adhere to Commission Standards to maintain that status.

Annual Reports

Accredited programs must submit annual reports during the four-year award period. These reports inform the National Accreditation Commission of improvements made throughout the year. Programs document activities conducted to maintain ongoing compliance with Standards. Failure to submit an Annual Report gives the Commission grounds to withdraw accreditation.

Unannounced Visits

Accreditation Commission representatives may conduct unannounced visits at any time during the award period. Representatives determine whether programs uphold Commission Standards. The Commission may schedule these visits randomly or in response to evidence of non-compliance. Evidence includes written complaints, licensing reports, or annual reports.

Reporting Changes

Programs must notify the National Accreditation Commission immediately of any changes, such as:

Change in director/administrator
Change in ownership
Relocation or expansion
Significant licensing non-compliance
Loss or suspension of license
Criminal conviction of a staff member

Programs also must keep current contact information on file with the Commission. To report changes, submit the Initial Notifications Form found on the Accreditation Forms page of the AELL website.

Withdrawal of Accreditation

The Commission can and will withdraw accreditation for any of these reasons:

Non-compliance with Commission Standards
Non-compliance with Commission procedures
Failure to submit required documentation
Reporting of false information

Helpful Resources

We hope this overview of the AELL accreditation process proves valuable on your accreditation journey. Here are resources that may help you throughout the process:

In Part 2 of our blog series on the Association for Early Learning Leaders, we will explore the benefits of AELL membership.

Honest Buck Accounting partners with Early Childhood Education providers to help them build a strong financial foundation. We offer a variety of professional accounting services. Reach out to our team of experts to schedule a free consultation. Contact us today.