Can someone please explain Credienialing and Accreditation?

Question

I am doing an assignment for my Child Development Practicum and I am confused about one of the lectures we had. Some of the questions I have to answer include:

Why would an individual who works as the head teacher in a preschool find the CDA credential helpful?

WHy would a day care provider who operates a home day care look into accreditation for her/his facility?

What are the INTASC Standards for?

As a parent searching for a facility for your child, what type of quality control indicator (INTASC, accreditation, CDA) would you look for?

When looking at our Child Development Laboratory, what purpose does the CDA Hhold? INTASC Standards? Accreditation process?

What is the difference between accreditation and DCFS licensure?

I don't expect you to answer all of these questions, but an explanation of the definitions would be great! PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with INTASC.  NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is considered the accreditation authority for preK.  I would say this is what parents would be most familiar with other than asking about licensing.  NAEYC has standards a center or home daycare has to meet and maintain.  Their stamp of approval basically means parents can rest easier.  It is voluntary and different from a daycare license required by the state top operate.  Licensure is minimum standards met.  Accreditation means the center went the extra mile.

Home daycares and centers may seek accreditation as a credential and in some states, as a way to obtain grant funding.

The head teacher/CDA question is a bit ambiguous.  I assume a head teacher is licensed so wouldn't use CDAs for that, but CDAs can be used to round out a license gotten merely on what the state requires (like continuing Ed, sort of).  They can also be used to fulfill licensing requirements in states requiring Continuing Ed hours.  Other uses-keep up on new trends or refresh old courses, get new curriculum and discipline ideas...