Accreditation
NAFCC accreditation is a nationally recognized mark of quality that supports excellence, professionalism, and trust in family child care. Become accredited in Montana with the help of the Montana Family Childcare Network!
“I pursued accreditation to prove that what we do is a true profession — and it gave me the recognition I always knew this work deserved.”
What is Accreditation?
Becoming accredited by the National Association for Family Childcare (NAFCC) means your home-based program has been measured against rigorous national standards — and found to be among the best. It's a signal to families, communities, and partners that your care is thoughtful, intentional, and built to last.
The Montana Family Childcare Network is the state affiliate of the NAFCC, and is uniquely positioned to help you gain and maintain this accreditation. Family/Group Educators receive personal coaching not only from Sheryl Hutzenbiler, a Montana-based NAFCC Accreditation Council Member and 2024 NAFCC Accredited Educator of the Year, but also other Montana NAFCC Accredited Educators located in your region. We can also connect you with scholarships to offset the cost of accreditation.
Benefits of Accreditation
Better For Families
Families are searching for excellent care by invested educators. As an accredited provider, you'll have a verifiable, nationally recognized credential to point to when families ask why your home-based program is the right choice for their child.
Better For You
The accreditation process is a professional development journey, not just a checklist. Through the process, you will deepen your understanding of child development, refine your environment and practices, and connect to a community of like-minded educators.
Better For Students
The children in your care are the heart of your home. NAFCC’s quality standards support healthy development, learning, and overall well-being in young children. Pursuing accreditation is a direct investment in the better outcomes for the children you serve.
The Accreditation Process
#1: Self Study
The NAFCC Accreditation Stage of Self-Study is the initial and foundational phase of the accreditation process for Family Child Care educators. During this stage, educators commit to a reflective and comprehensive review of their program to ensure alignment with NAFCC Quality Standards. This stage focuses on intentional growth, program improvement, and preparation for accreditation. Educators formally begin this stage when they apply for Self-Study Enrollment through the Accreditation Portal. This stage can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your readiness and alignment to the quality standards.
#2: Apply for Accreditation
Submit your application through the NAFCC Accreditation Portal.
#3: Host an Observer
A trained NAFCC observer will conduct an on-site or virtual visit to your program. This is not an inspection — it's a professional review designed to see your program in action.
#4: Decision
NAFCC's Accreditation Scorers review your completed self-certified standards, family surveys, and the observation report and make a formal accreditation decision.
#5: Celebrate and Maintain
Congratulations, you are now accredited! 18 months after completion, you will need to submit an 18-month update to the NAFCC to showcasing your evidence of continued compliance with Quality Standards. Once that is completed, your accreditation will last three years from the date that NAFCC formally approves your accreditation.
Start Your Journey
Whether you're just beginning to explore accreditation or ready to apply, MFCN is here to help. Reach out and we'll connect you with the support, resources, and guidance you need to become an accredited childcare provider!
Accreditation FAQ
As of March 2026, the NAFCC prerequisites for accreditation are:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have a High School Diploma or GED (or receive an NAFCC-granted waiver of this requirement).
- Provide care for children for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- Provide care for at least three children in a home environment. At least one child must not reside in the educator’s home.
- Meet the highest level of regulation available in the state to operate a family child care program.
- Be in compliance with all regulations of the authorized licensing body.
- Successfully pass the state and federal criminal history background check.
- Be in good health with the physical stamina and mental competence to care for young children.
- Adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
- Complete at least 120 clock hours of documented family child care-related education/training
You can see the current list on the NAFCC Accreditation FAQ page.
You can find the current accreditation costs at the NAFCC accreditation page. If you are a provider in Montana, MFCN may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities that will dramatically reduce or even eliminate the cost to you. Please reach out to us and we will let you know what is available.