Maryland: NECPA Accreditation Support and Consulting

Prepare for accreditation with guidance from experienced early childhood professionals.

ChildCareEd offers personalized support and private consulting to help Maryland child care centers navigate the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) process. We help your team understand the steps, prepare classrooms, organize documentation, and review required evidence.

NECPA is a national accreditation recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

What our accreditation support includes

• Orientation and planning: Understand the process, review your program’s progress, and identify next steps.
• Self-assessment guidance: Work through the NECPA Standards Book and Self-Assessment Instrument to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
• Classroom and inventory lists: Develop lists to organize materials and identify classroom preparation needs.
• Binder and evidence review: Receive feedback on your accreditation binder or digital files, including missing, incomplete, or unclear documentation.
• Professional development guidance: Identify staff training needs and explore relevant ChildCareEd courses.
• Ongoing preparation support: Work through questions and outstanding items as your team prepares for NECPA’s verification and review process.

Support may include remote consultations, review of uploaded documents, and on-site assistance. Arrangements are based on your program’s needs and outlined in your service agreement.

Why choose ChildCareEd?

An established, MSDE-approved training organization
Founded in 2001, ChildCareEd provides Maryland-approved professional development under approval code CKO-380. ChildCareEd is also an IACET Accredited Provider and holds Training Organization Recognition through the National Workforce Registry Alliance.

Educators with practical program experience
Our team includes CDA Professional Development Specialists, experienced trainers, and former child care directors and owners. Their backgrounds include accredited programs, accreditation preparation, related grant applications, staff mentoring, and quality improvement.

Experience supporting CDA candidates
ChildCareEd was selected for a formal partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition in 2021 to support CDA candidates. Our work includes initial and renewal CDA training, learner support, and credential preparation resources.

Experience delivering funded professional development
ChildCareEd supported an MSDE initiative in partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition, providing initial, bridge, and renewal CDA training to more than 300 educators. Through its contract with BakerRipley, ChildCareEd has also delivered professional development for the Workforce Solutions–Gulf Coast child care provider network.

Service pricing

$1,500 per month for centers with a capacity of 60–121 children.

A six-month minimum commitment applies, for a minimum consulting cost of $9,000.

Contact us to discuss other program sizes or settings. NECPA accreditation fees, training courses, classroom materials, and other purchases are separate unless specifically included in your service agreement.

Funding for accreditation fees

Eligible Maryland programs may apply to the MSDE National Accreditation Support Fund for qualifying national accreditation fees. MSDE determines eligibility, approval, and award amounts, subject to available funding.

ChildCareEd’s consulting fee is a separate expense and should not be considered covered by this fund. Staff training is also excluded from the fund.

Learn more about MSDE Accreditation Support and NECPA’s Maryland accreditation pathway.

Interested in accreditation support?

Click “I’m Interested” to receive additional service information and next steps.

To purchase the service or discuss your program’s needs, call 1-833-283-2241 or email info@childcareed.com.

ChildCareEd provides independent consulting and preparation support. NECPA makes accreditation decisions. The six-month minimum is a service commitment, not a guaranteed accreditation timeline. Submitting interest does not purchase consulting, enroll your program in NECPA, or apply for MSDE funding.