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Every accredited program is subject to undergo an unannounced on-site evaluation during its accreditation term.  This on-site evaluation is called a Status Verification Visit.

The Status Verification Visit serves as a means of reassuring programs, families, and the child care community that the accreditation standards are in place in an accredited program at any given time, and not only during the scheduled on-site evaluations.  This Status Verification Visit is unannounced and primarily focuses on assessing Standard 1, which includes:  interactions, communications, and relationships between child care professionals and children, as well as, physical indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Important Information about the Status Verification Visit

  • Programs will not receive prior notification of a Status Verification Visit.
  • The Status Verification Visit lasts approximately two to three hours, during which time a Validator will complete an observation of the interactions with children and physical indoor and outdoor environments. 

  • While the focus of the visit is on observations, some documentation may be required.

  • There is no cost to the program associated with the completion of a Status Verification Visit.

  • Following a Status Verification Visit, the observations and evidence collected will be evaluated and scored by AELCS in accordance with the Alberta Child Care Evaluation and Scoring Framework.
  •  The Status Verification visit requires a minimum score to pass.  If the program achieves a minimum score, their accreditation term and annual accreditation date will remain the same. 
  •  The program will receive a letter from the accreditation agency indicating the outcome of the Status Verification Visit.
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  • Alberta Children's Services will be informed.
If a program does not achieve the minimum score:

  • The program will be issued a Temporary Accreditation Status notice. 

  • The accreditation agency will conduct another unannounced on-site evaluation called the Status Verification Follow-up Site Visit.   This on-site evaluation will take place within six months and all Accreditation Standards and Indicators will be assessed.

  • Based on the decision, after the Status Verification Follow-up Site Visit, the program's accreditation status will be either reinstated, or revoked (in accordance with the Accreditation Evaluation and Scoring Framework).

  • If a program loses its accreditation status following the Status Verification Follow-up Site Visit, the program will need to complete a Self-evaluation Workbook before requesting another site visit.

​Refusing the Validator access to complete the Status Verification Visit or Status Verification Follow-up Visit will mean that the program is no longer participating in accreditation.  The program will no longer be considered accredited and its file with the accreditation agency will be closed immediately.

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