Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program
The Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program provides guidance and support for all early childhood programs in Montana interested in pursuing national accreditation through both NAECY and NAFCC. Through mentorship, coaching, and individualized support, the Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program helps child care providers navigate the accreditation process while strengthening program quality along the way.
This program supports child care providers pursuing accreditation through both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) accreditation systems. While accreditation standards are established nationally, mentorship and support are provided locally through the Mentorship Program.
Who This Program Is For
The Mtaeyc Accreditation Mentorship Program is designed for:
- Any programs exploring NAEYC or NAFCC accreditation
- Programs exploring accreditation and wanting to learn more before committing
- Programs ready to strengthen quality through a structured improvement process
- Programs needing financial support to meet their goals
What Mentorship Support Includes
Participants receive individualized support throughout their accreditation journey, including:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced accredited professionals
- Guidance understanding accreditation standards
- Help creating achievable timelines and goals
- Support preparing documentation and materials
- Financial Supports
- Connection to peer learning and shared resources
Mentorship is designed to make accreditation feel manageable and supportive — not overwhelming.
How it works
- Express Interest – Connect with us to learn about accreditation pathways. Email accreditation@mtaeyc.org
- Ready to start the accreditation process - Email accreditation@mtaeyc.org to set an intake meeting.
- Program Matching – Programs are paired with a mentor or cohort.
- Ongoing Support – Mentors and cohorts provide guidance throughout self-study and improvement work.
- Accreditation Preparation – Support continues through submission and verification steps.
Programs move at their own pace while receiving consistent encouragement and guidance.
Become a mentor
Already accredited and interested in becoming a mentor? Email accreditation@mtaecy.org to inquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program?
The Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program provides free guidance, resources, and personalized support to early childhood programs interested in pursuing national accreditation through NAEYC or NAFCC. Our goal is to make the accreditation process more accessible and manageable for Montana providers.
What is early childhood program accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary process that recognizes early childhood programs for meeting national standards of quality. It provides an opportunity to celebrate your program's strengths, identify areas for growth, and demonstrate your commitment to high-quality early learning.
What is the difference between NAEYC and NAFCC accreditation?
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers accreditation for eligible early learning programs, including child care centers and preschools. The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) offers accreditation specifically for eligible home-based family child care programs. Both provide nationally recognized standards for quality early childhood education.
How do I know which accreditation pathway is best for my program?
Not sure whether NAEYC or NAFCC accreditation is the right fit? We're here to help! The best pathway depends on your program type, setting, and goals. The Accreditation Manager can help you explore both options, understand eligibility requirements, and determine which accreditation pathway makes the most sense for your program.
Who can participate in the Accreditation Mentorship Program?
Montana early childhood programs interested in pursuing NAEYC or NAFCC accreditation are encouraged to connect with us. Whether you're just beginning to explore accreditation or have already started the process, we can help identify appropriate next steps and available supports.
Is the Accreditation Mentorship Program free?
Yes! Participation in the Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program is free for eligible programs. The program provides mentorship, cohort learning opportunities, and resources to support your accreditation journey.
Do I need to be ready to apply for accreditation to participate?
Not necessarily! While you don't need to be ready to submit an accreditation application, programs entering the mentorship program should have a foundation of quality practices in place and be ready to actively work toward accreditation. This includes a commitment to reviewing program practices, identifying areas for improvement, and dedicating time to the process.
If you're still exploring accreditation or aren't quite ready to begin, we encourage you to reach out! We can help you better understand the expectations and connect you with resources and supports to build readiness before enrolling.
What kind of support will I receive?
Depending on your program's needs, support may include:
- Individualized guidance from an experienced accreditation mentor
- Group learning opportunities with other Montana providers
- Assistance understanding accreditation standards and requirements
- Help navigating self-assessments and accreditation resources
- Connections to financial assistance and other professional supports
Are there financial supports available for accreditation?
Yes! Eligible programs may have access to financial assistance for accreditation-related costs, including application fees and other resources. Our team can help you explore available scholarships and funding opportunities.
Do I have to be enrolled in a cohort or mentorship to access financial benefits?
Yes. To access financial benefits offered through the Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program, your program must be actively enrolled and participating in either a mentorship match or an accreditation cohort. These supports are designed to help programs make meaningful progress toward accreditation while receiving guidance and resources along the way.
How long does the accreditation process take?
The timeline varies depending on the accreditation pathway, your program's readiness, and the work needed to meet accreditation standards. Accreditation is a journey, and our mentorship program helps you develop a realistic plan and work toward your goals at a manageable pace.
Can I participate if my program is already NAEYC Recognized?
Absolutely! Programs that have achieved NAEYC Recognition and are ready to continue toward Accreditation or Accreditation Plus are encouraged to participate. Our mentorship and cohort opportunities can support you as you work toward the next milestone.
Do I have to participate in a cohort?
Not necessarily. Support is designed to meet the needs of participating programs and may include individual mentorship, group learning, or a combination of both, depending on availability and your accreditation pathway.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Reach out to the Accreditation Manager at accreditation@mtaeyc.org and set up an intake or interest meeting. We'll connect with you to discuss your program, answer questions, and explore the next steps toward accreditation.
Ready to explore accreditation?
You don't have to navigate the process alone! The Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program is here to help you take the next step toward national accreditation with guidance, encouragement, and support along the way.
Funding support
The Montana Accreditation Mentorship Program is supported through funding and partnership with SPARK Montana as part of statewide efforts to strengthen quality early childhood programs and support Montana providers.