State and National accreditation demonstrates that licensed child care centers and registered family child care homes strive to achieve and maintain a level of quality identified through a rigorous process of self-assessment and program improvement based on quality program standards issued by the accrediting organization. Maryland provides The Accreditation Support Fund to assist both licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers with the cost of pursuing accreditation. 

The Accreditation Support Fund -- National Accreditation assists licensed child care centers and registered family child care providers with required application fees.

• Initial application
• Renewal application
• Annual Update

The Accreditation Support Fund - Maryland Program Accreditation assists licensed child care centers with the cost of instructional materials associated with pursuing Maryland Accreditation.

Accreditation Support Funds cannot be used for:

• Facility improvement
• Association Membership Fee
• Staff training
• Any costs that are paid for through another funding source
• Any costs greater than the fee charged by the accreditation organization

Accreditation Support Fund FAQs

• Maryland Accreditation 
• National Accreditation 

Applications and Resources

Application for National Accreditation Support 

Application for Maryland Accreditation Support 

Infant and Toddlers Classroom Learning Materials Checklist (Writeable XLS)

Preschool & School-Age Classroom Learning Materials Checklist (Writeable XLS)

Information on Maryland Accreditation

Accreditation Support Fund Regulations (COMAR 13A.14.10)