Child Care/Early Learning

Accreditation Eligibility

A member of Green Apple in good standing
Must be licensed by the State Licensing Authority, Local licensing agency, or religious-exempt Approved by GAACS
Must comply with all local, state, and federal laws
Must complete GAACS Self Study Guide within timeline
Adhere to the Step by Step Process

Accreditation Award

Accreditation Eligibility

Once awarded, accreditation is valid for up to five (5) years when once again, the child care provider must reapply for accreditation.

Accredited providers must submit an annual report every year with exception to the year of initial/renewal accreditation. That means, the child care provider will submit an annual report the second year of accreditation.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation Eligibility

Child Care/Early Learning Forms

Gold Seal Quality Care (Birth to Five, Birth to Five AND School Age). Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program.
Higher reimbursement rates for subsidized care including School Readiness.
Tax exemptions through the Department of Revenue or county tax appraiser.
Higher reimbursement rates from the Child Care Assistance Program.
Higher reimbursement rates through the Stars Rating Program.

Child Care/Early Learning Forms

All programs applying for accreditation including: Child Care, K - 12 Schools, and After School Programs.

Membership Application

Accreditation Application

Fee and Costs

Step by Step Accreditation Process

What to Expect During the Onsite Visit

Accreditation Timeline

Early Education Centers

After School/Enrichment Programs

K - 12 Schools

Religious Exempt Eligibility

Child Care/Early Learning Forms

Religious Exempt Eligibility

The provisions of ss. 402.301-402.319, except for the requirements regarding screening of child care personnel, shall not apply to a child care facility which is an integral part of church or parochial schools conducting regularly scheduled classes, courses of study, or educational programs accredited by, or by a member of, an organization which publishes and requires compliance with its standards for health, safety, and sanitation.

However, such facilities shall meet minimum requirements of the applicable local governing body as to health, sanitation, and safety and shall meet the screening requirements pursuant to ss. 402.305 and 402.3055. Failure by a facility to comply with such screening requirements shall result in the loss of the facility's exemption from licensure.