The early childhood program accreditation system developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children is described in this publication. Part 1 focuses on policies and procedures for accreditation (including discussion of goals and eligibility) and provides a six-step overview of the accreditation process. This process involves self-study by the applying center, reporting to the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, validation visits to the center, consideration of the center report by commissioners, appeal by deferred centers, and maintenance of accreditation by accredited centers. Part 2 enunciates 10 criteria for high quality early childhood programs and offers interpretations of these criteria. The criteria concern interactions among staff and children, the curriculum, staff-parent interaction, staff qualifications and development, administration, staffing, the physical environment, health and safety, nutrition and food service, and evaluation. Appended materials include resource lists concerning the planning of developmentally appropriate curricula for infants and toddlers, children 2 through 5 years of age, and school-age children; a schedule for childhood immunization; child care food program recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture; and requirements for food preparation and service. A bibliography citing literature reviewed in developing the evaluation criteria is also provided. (RH)