The Program – Self-Assessment First – A good formal self-assessment procedure begins with open and honest documented observations of the program by parents and staff members using an appropriate assessment tool matching the standards of the licensing agency or accreditation association or the completion of assessment surveys or questionnaires.  The surveys should cover all aspects of the program including physical environment, whole staff expertise, and educational quality of the curriculum.  Questions on the survey should be written clearly and opportunities for comments and suggestions should be afforded. 

The results of the surveys must then be tabulated, documented, and recorded, and the administrative staff – or a committee of staff members and parents comprising a Self-Assessment Committee– should devise a plan for improving areas of need shown by the surveys. 

Programs can devise their own tools or forms for self-assessment (based on their own mission, standards, and job descriptions) or use forms from reputable curricula or accreditation agencies.

Accreditation Assessment – An accreditation process is a great way to thoroughly assess your program and although some of the procedures are tedious, and some accreditation costs are pricey, a national accreditation certification is good for your program. It builds your reputation, proves your worth and increases staff morale, and may even “sell” your program to more parents.

Most national and many state and local licensing and accreditation agencies require an annual assessment of each program applying for a license or accreditation status.  This should include a self-assessment element before the formal assessment visit and usually, the accreditation agency asks for copies of the self-assessment survey results and the improvement plan you have created.

An “official” visit by licensing bureau or accreditation agency is then held, in which a representative of the agency observes the program and documents his/her findings concerning compliance with agency standards.  Results of the findings of the official visit are shared with the program, and the representative determines the program to be in or out of compliance and whether the program qualifies for license or accreditation certificate.

They’re Coming! – There is always stress when outside accreditation or licensing agents arrive to perform a formal assessment of your program. If your program performs a successful self-assessment and takes steps to improve any areas of weakness or need before the arrival of these representatives, it will make the accreditation process much easier.  Even when you are visited by local licensing reps (county childcare agencies, fire and health departments) there is stress.

In the 70’s, before childcare regulations existed or were strictly enforced, I remember working in a privately owned (and unnamed) day care center as Lead Teacher in a class of over 30 two-year-olds.  On occasion I had an assistant, Miss Virginia. On ‘inspection days”, Miss Virginia would scamper from class to class through back hallways, popping up like “Where’s Waldo?” in each crowded single-teacher classroom as the “Assistant Teacher” when the county licensing agent counted heads for correct child-teacher ratios.  Ah – those were the days.