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Accreditation
By Micah Wheat | June 11, 2010
When deciding on where or how you want to spend your money, you deserve the assurance that you are making the right choice. So what factors help you believe the product is right for you? How do you know that you are making the right choice? How do you know that your investment will pay off? In most cases, we can read the label, ask the salesperson, or somehow access the information you need to make the right choice before moving forward. Again…..most cases…..Making a decision regarding school or program placement for a child in need is an extremely difficult one to make. Fortunately there are ways to educate ourselves before we move forward with this. One of the major points to consider when “reading the label” on this potential school is what their level of accreditation is. CARF is an accreditation that comes highly recommended, as is the Joint Commission and COA. Many programs and schools obtain these to ensure best practices are being met. Please inquire as to what level of accreditation their program is.
Another certification that parties involved in planning a child’s educational future is whether or not they have academic credibility as well. Look for the endorsement by the state and regional accreditation surveyor like SACS or another region specific service.
NATWC, IECA , and NATSAP do a solid job in presenting and reporting on the latest successes in program accreditation, both sound resources.
The more questions you ask when you are planning the path for a child and their family the better. Educate yourself on the pros and con’s of each school or program, and then ask more questions!!!!
Stay in touch!!!!
Topics: Certification, NATWC News | 1 Comment »

August 17th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I totally agree that accreditation is very important especially when we are talking about our child’s future. I have heard and seen a lot of schools/programs where hundreds of students graduated and only to find out that the school/program is not accredited. So sad. so, us parents, must be very careful about this matter.