Skip to content
Member Hub Login
Contact

The APPLE Accreditation Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-K APPLE Accreditation (FL)

Pre-K Through 12 APPLE Accreditation (FL)

Out-of-State APPLE Accreditation (Non-FL)

Ready to Start Your APPLE Journey?

Apply Today!

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.

The APPLE Accreditation Process

For Florida Schools

Achieving APPLE Accreditation in Florida ensures your center meets the Gold Seal Quality Care Program requirements. This comprehensive process includes:

  1. FACCM Membership – Your first step toward accreditation.
  2. Application Submission – Choose between Standard or Expedited timelines (details below).
  3. Portfolio Preparation – Document your center's compliance with APPLE standards.
  4. Verification Visit – Conducted virtually or onsite.
  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. The steps include:

  1. Membership & Application – Begin with the APPLE Out-of-State Accreditation Application.
  2. Portfolio Creation – Showcase your compliance with APPLE and NCPSA standards.
  3. Verification Visit & Review – Includes a virtual visit and APPLE Commission approval.
  4. Three-Year Accreditation – Initial accreditation lasts three years, followed by five-year reaccreditation cycles.

Choosing the Right Accreditation Timeline for Your Program

Both timelines offer a clear path to APPLE Accreditation, tailored to the needs of different programs. Explore the benefits of each option to determine the best fit for your school.

Standard Timeline: A Comprehensive and Cost-Effective Option
Expedited Timeline: For Experienced and Time-Sensitive Programs

The Standard Timeline is the most common choice for centers, offering flexibility and affordability for programs without urgent deadlines. Ideal for:

  • New Programs: Centers without recent experience in the accreditation process.
  • First-Time Applicants: Perfect for schools navigating accreditation for the first time.
  • Start-Up Centers: Programs that haven’t been in operation for over a year.
  • Most Centers: Especially those that do not have pressing deadlines or time-sensitive needs.

Why Choose Standard?
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, making it a popular choice for centers beginning their accreditation journey.

Tailored for programs ready to fast-track their accreditation, the Expedited Timeline is best for:

  • Experienced Management: Centers led by teams familiar with accreditation processes.
  • Accredited Programs Switching to APPLE: Schools currently accredited by another body that want to transition seamlessly.
  • Time-Sensitive Cases: Required for applications involving changes in ownership, location, or accrediting body.

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

Please contact the Florida Association for Child Care Management (FACCM) for the Fee Schedule that applies to your school.

Call (800) 322-2603 or email info@faccm.org for more information.

Scroll To Top