The Academy at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) Receives Prestigious IACET Accreditation for Continuing Education and Training

ALEXANDRIA, VAThe Academy at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) has been awarded accreditation by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This recognition affirms that The Academy at NHSA has met the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training, which is internationally recognized as a mark of excellence in instructional practices.

As an IACET Accredited Provider, The Academy at NHSA is authorized to offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a valuable credential for Head Start staff seeking to maintain certifications, advance their careers, and improve program quality. This accreditation demonstrates The Academy’s commitment to provide high-quality, research-based learning experiences and ensures that its professional development opportunities meet the rigorous standards required by IACET.

“We are proud to join the prestigious group of IACET accredited providers,” said Dr. Deborah Bergeron, deputy director of community engagement and innovation for NHSA. “This accreditation reinforces our dedication to empowering the Head Start community with meaningful, standards-based continuing education and training they need to support children and families.”

The IACET accreditation process is a thorough and independent review of a provider’s policies, processes, and educational programs. The Academy at NHSA’s achievement affirms that its learners can trust in the consistency, relevance, and quality of the training they receive.

For Head Start and Early Head Start staff across the country, this milestone provides additional assurance that their ongoing professional development is grounded in best practices and recognized industry standards. In many states, the CEUs awarded as a result of this accreditation can also be applied to meet state childcare professional development requirements..

To learn more about the Academy at NHSA’s accredited offerings, visit nhsa.org/the-academy.

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to realizing the promise of Head Start; that all children have a chance to succeed in school and in life. NHSA is the voice for nearly 700,000 children served by more than 250,000 staff every single day in rural, urban, and suburban communities in all 50 states. In 2025, we celebrate 60 years of service to 40 million children, their families, and communities across the country. ••• Media Contact: Lauren Lawson-Zilai; Senior Director, Communications; media@nhsa.org

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