Early Education Center: child care Center/Early Learning

• 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
  

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. 

• 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.

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.