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APPLE Accreditation

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APPLE Accreditation

Accreditation Process

Self-evaluation, self-improvement, and verification

As a nationally recognized accrediting body, APPLE is here to help your school achieve excellence. We support you on your accreditation journey every step of the way.

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Accreditation Manuals

Standards Manual and K-12 Addendum.

APPLE Accreditation Standards Manual

2024 APPLE Accreditation Standards Manual.

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APPLE Accreditation Standards Manual Addendum (K-12)

K-12 addendum to the APPLE Accreditation Standards Manual.

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Resources

Accreditation Road Map Worksheet, Important Dates postcard, and About APPLE Accreditation brochure.

Your Child is in an Accredited School brochure

A brochure for families of children in an APPLE Accredited school.

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Accreditation Road Map Worksheet

Accreditation Road Map Worksheet.

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About APPLE Accreditation Brochure

About APPLE Accreditation brochure.

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Accreditation Infographics

Standard, Expedited, Change of Owner, Location, or Accrediting Body, and Out-of-State timelines.

Change of Owner, Location, or Accrediting Body Timeline

Change of owner, location, or accrediting body timeline.

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Out-of-State Timeline

Out-of-state accreditation timeline.

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For Florida Schools

Achieving APPLE Accreditation in Florida ensures your center meets the Gold Seal Quality Care Program requirements.

The goal of APPLE Accreditation is to increase the quality in early learning programs through self-evaluation, self-improvement, and verification of quality standards.

  1. Step 1

    FACCM Membership

    Your first step toward accreditation.

  2. Step 2

    Application Submission

    Choose between Standard or Expedited timelines.

  3. Step 3

    Portfolio Preparation

    Document your center’s compliance with APPLE standards.

  4. Step 4

    Verification Visit

    Conducted virtually or onsite.

  5. Step 5

    APPLE Commission Approval

    Final review and issuance of your accreditation certificate.

For Schools Located Outside of Florida

APPLE Accreditation is approved by the National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), making it a trusted standard for K-12 schools across the U.S.

  1. Step 1

    Membership & Application

    Begin with the APPLE Out-of-State Accreditation Application.

  2. Step 2

    Portfolio Creation

    Showcase your compliance with APPLE and NCPSA standards.

  3. Step 3

    Verification Visit & Review

    Includes an onsite visit and APPLE Commission approval.

  4. Step 4

    Three-Year Accreditation

    Initial accreditation lasts three years, followed by five-year reaccreditation cycles.

Standard Timeline

A comprehensive and cost-effective option. The most common choice for centers, offering flexibility and affordability for programs without urgent deadlines.

Ideal for new programs, first-time applicants, start-up centers that have not been in operation for over a year, and most centers without pressing deadlines.

This timeline provides ample time to prepare your portfolio, implement best practices, and build strong operational systems. It is also the most cost-effective option.

Expedited Timeline

For experienced and time-sensitive programs ready to fast-track accreditation.

Best for experienced management, accredited programs switching to APPLE, and time-sensitive cases involving changes in ownership, location, or accrediting body.

With shorter turnaround times, this option is for schools that need to meet urgent deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

To discuss the fee schedule that best applies to your school, please contact Henry McCorkle, Vice President of Membership and Marketing, via email hmccorkle@faccm.org or phone (561) 446-3051.