What is the difference between accreditation and licensing?
By definition, accreditation and licensing have different functions.
- Licensing provides a legislated ’floor’ below which child care programs are not permitted to operate. It typically includes factors such as space, range of equipment, number and ages of children, staff-child ratios and training requirements. Such factors contribute to quality, but are only minimum standards.
- Accreditation builds on this legislated "floor" to look at factors that determine quality. The emphasis is on staff practices and actual outcomes for children and families. It shifts the focus from meeting minimum standards to continuously striving towards providing higher levels of care.

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1. What is Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services?
2. What is the difference between accreditation and licensing?
3. How does a centre become accredited?
4. How would an accredited program meet my family’s needs?