Find out about the formal licensing and accreditation processes for out-of-school time programs.
Out-of-school time programs with a traditional structure, that meet regularly, and serve children 12 and under, should become licensed as a guarantee of basic safety and a commitment to quality standards.
Programs and activities that are not center-based, that meet irregularly and that serve older youth are among the many programs for which licensing and accreditation are not currently available.
Families should ask about licensing and accreditation and programs should explore how these processes can improve quality and enhance reputation.
In the state of North Carolina, youth-serving programs that are open less than four hours a day or only seasonally (e.g. summer) are not legally required to be licensed through the NC Division of Child Development. However, while not required, many out-of-school time programs choose to participate in the licensing process to demonstrate their commitment to quality. North Carolina's licensing system uses a range of 1 to 5 stars to rate programs. The higher the quality of a program, the more stars it receives. Licensed out-of-school time programs receive stars for demonstrating high levels of program standards, staff education, and compliance with state laws.
A family looking for quality out-of-school time programs should ask program staff about licensing. While not all high quality programs are licensed, if you find a program that has a four or five star license you have probably found a good program.
For more detailed information, contact the North Carolina Division of Child Development at (800) 859-0829 or visit their website at http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/general/home.asp
As an alternative to state licensure, out-of-school time programs may choose to become accredited. Accreditation is another good way to demonstrate a commitment to quality programming. Two primary organizations offer accreditation for out-of-school time programs - the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) and the American Camping Association (ACA).
NAA is a national membership organization of out-of-school time professionals. In cooperation with the National Institute for Out-of-School Time, NAA developed a set of standards for school-age programs. NAA accredits programs that meet those standards, as determined through a self-assessment and a review by a NAA Endorser. For more detailed information, visit NAA's website at www.naaweb.org.
ACA is also a national membership organization made up of camps. ACA accredits camps that meet the organizations 300 standards for quality, health and safety. For more detailed information, visit ACA's website at www.acacamps.org.
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