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• Accreditation: Focuses on meeting external standards set by a governing body. Program managers oversee the process of getting the program evaluated and approved for accreditation.
• Licensing: Refers to the formal process of obtaining permission from a governing body to operate a specific program or activity. This permission establishes a legal framework and ensures that the program adheres to minimum standards.
• Quality ratings: Similar to accreditation, some programs may have internal or external quality rating systems. Program managers performance metrics track and implement strategies to achieve desired quality levels.
• Financial Matters: This program's health encompasses overall financial management. Program managers oversee areas like revenue generation, cost control, and ensuring financial compliance with regulations.
• Funding: This involves securing resources to support the program. Program managers write grant proposals, identify funding sources, and manage the allocation of funds across projects within the program.
• Budgeting: This is the process of creating a financial plan for the program. Program managers estimate income and expenses, allocate resources, and monitor spending to stay within budget.
• Reporting: Program managers regularly generate reports that track progress, identify challenges, and communicate program performance to stakeholders. These reports help demonstrate program effectiveness and secure continued support.
• Facilities and Environments: This involves managing the overall spaces where the program operates. Program managers ensure adequate facilities are available, meet safety standards, and support program activities.
• ACCREDITATION

  An official review process performed by a nationally recognized outside agency. The process of achieving and maintaining accreditation is no easy feat. It involves staff and family participation, classroom observations, and health and safety checks.
• ACCREDITATION

  A voluntary process that some schools undergo in order to prove that they meet certain academic, social, and quality standards.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

  refers to the evaluation process conducted by accrediting organizations, similar to other educational accrediting bodies in K-12 or collegiate settings.
• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) was one of the first to offer early learning program accreditation. It has been offering accreditation services for over 30 years.
• ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL PRESCHOOL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (APPLE)

  is a voluntary process , self-directed program that has been providing Early Learning Centers with the necessary tools to achieve a level of quality to assist them in improving outcomes for their children and families.
• National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) was formed to encourage quality and identify excellence in early childhood programs throughout the United States and other countries.

   
• The NECPA Standards aim to ensure quality in areas such as adult/child interaction, the health and safety of the physical setting, staff framing, and the relationships between the administration, the parents, and the community.
• American Montessori Society (AMS) accredits only Montessori-method programs.

  Accreditation by the American Montessori Society provides guidance, empowerment, and high ideals to help your school community implement and sustain the rigorous standards of quality Montessori education.
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is the largest Protestant educational organization globally. Since 1978, ACSI has been dedicated to advancing excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing support functions for Christian schools.

   
• Licensing is the formal process of obtaining permission from a governing body to operate a specific program or activity. This permission establishes a legal framework and ensures that the program adheres to minimum standards.
• Compliance:

  The program must meet the established criteria and regulations set forth by the licensing body. These criteria can vary depending on the program type but often address areas like qualifications, safety, quality, and record-keeping.
• Renewal Process: Licenses may need to be renewed periodically, requiring the program to demonstrate continued compliance.
• Quality ratings, in the context of early childhood education (ECE), are a system for evaluating and measuring the overall quality of a program beyond the minimum standards set by licensing. These ratings are typically assigned by independent organizations or government agencies using a defined set of criteria.