Accelerated Pathway Resources

These forms, samples, policies, and resources are for licensed accredited child care and public school-based prekindergarten programs that meet Minnesota Statutes 124D.15 earning a Rating in the Accelerated Pathway.

Not sure if you should be participating in Accelerated Pathway? Read more about the Rating Pathways.

 

Applications
There are different application materials for Accelerated Pathway programs based on the type of program:

• Accelerated Pathway Application – Public School Pre-K
• Accelerated Pathway Application – Accredited Child Care

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of Accelerated Pathway FAQs. If you have any other questions about the process, please connect with the right contact person for your program.

 

Standards and Indicators
Learn more about the Parent Aware Standards and Indicators and how they measure best practice in child care and early education.

• Standards and Indicators

 

Approved Accreditations
Programs earn accreditation from national child care organizations for meeting higher standards than required for state licensing, and typically meet or exceed requirements for a Parent Aware Rating. Programs with an accreditation from an organization below are strongly encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Pathway.

• Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE) for Early Childhood Education Programs
• American Montessori Society (AMS) School Accreditation
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Accreditation
• Association Montessori International (AMI) – Montessori School Recognition
• Cognia Early Learning Accreditation
• Council on Accreditation (COA) – Child and Youth Development - Early Childhood Education (CYD-ECE) Accreditation
• Council on Accreditation (COA) – Private Early Childhood Education
• Green Apple Accreditation of Children’s Services (GAACS) – Early Education Center (EEC) Accreditation
• Lumen Accreditation from the Catholic University of America
• Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association - Preschool Accreditation (MNSAA)
• National Accreditation Commission (NAC) for Early Care and Education Programs Accreditation
• National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation
• National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) Accreditation
• National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA)

 

For Family Child Care Providers:

• National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)

 

Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs)
The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), also known as Minnesota’s Early Learning Guidelines, outline a set of expectations for young children. All programs are encouraged to use the ECIPs to guide their planning and practices.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website to download the full set of ECIPs.

 

Aligned Curricula
Using one or more curricula helps providers and teachers plan and use effective instruction. These tools align with the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) and meet Parent Aware curriculum requirements.

• Aligned Curricula

 

Curriculum Nomination Form & Guide
What do you do if your curriculum is not on the approved list? Nominate it by completing the Curriculum Nomination Form and submitting it, along with supporting materials, to Parent Aware.

• Curriculum Nomination Form & Guide

 

Approved Assessment Tools
Child assessment tools help providers and teachers understand each child’s development, and plan lessons to meet their individual needs. These tools meet Parent Aware assessment requirements.

• Approved Assessment Tools

 

Child Assessment Nomination Form & Guide
What do you do if your assessment is not on the approved list? Nominate it by completing the Child Assessment Nomination Form and submitting it, along with supporting materials, to Parent Aware.

• Child Assessment Nomination Form & Guide

 

Training and Professional Development
Ongoing training and professional development gives providers and teachers skills to offer the high-quality learning environments and interactions needed to prepare children for school. Your Professional Development Advisor (PDA) will help you put a plan together, and answer questions about these resources:

• Verifying and Documenting Coaching, Consultation, and Mentoring
• Develop
• Accelerated Pathway Training Requirements