How to Apply - NIDCAP Nursery Certification Program

The NIDCAP Nursery Certification application and review process consists of the following six steps (see also the Application and Review Process Flow Charts):

  1. The nursery applicant reviews the NIDCAP Nursery Certification Program: A Guide to Preparation, Application and Implementation of NIDCAP Nursery Certification to determine eligibility to apply for NIDCAP Nursery Certification;
  2. If eligible, the nursery applicant completes and submits NNCP Application Part I;
  3. When Part I is approved by the NNCP Director, the nursery applicant then completes/scores and submits the following:

    a. NNCP Application: Part II, Nursery Self-Assessment Questionnaire

    b. NIDCAP Nursery Certification Criterion Scales

    The NIDCAP Nursery Certification Criterion Scales (NNCCS) have been developed to assess the level of individualization, family-centeredness, and developmental support the nursery provides for the infants and families in its care as well as for the staff involved in delivering such care. The NNCCS are grouped by the areas assessed, which include:
    • Physical Environment of the Hospital and Nursery
    • Philosophy and Implementation of Care: Infant
    • Philosophy and Implementation of Care: Family
    • Philosophy and Implementation of Care: Professional and Staff Members

    4. c. NNCCS Provision of Evidence

    The NNCCS Provision of Evidence offers the Nursery Applicant the opportunity to more fully demonstrate its implementation of relationship-based, family-centered, developmental care. The applicant is now asked to provide specific information and documentation that corroborates the scoring of the NNCCS.

  4. Once the NNCP Application: Part II, the NNCCS, and the NNCCS Provision of Evidence are reviewed and deemed complete by the NNCP Site Review Team, the NNCP Site Review Schedule is planned. This schedule specifies the logistics for the site visit (see Preparation for the NNCP Site Review);
  5. The NCCP Site Review: The site visit takes place over a two to three day site visit, depending on the nursery’s size and complexity. The Site Review Team observes the overall, as well as specific aspects of the nursery environment, and meets with: the hospital and nursery’s administrative leadership; representatives from across and within disciplines; and parents and other family members whose infants are currently cared for in the nursery. On the last day, the Site Review Team meets to discuss what was learned in the course of the NCCP Site Visit. Each member scores the five-point NIDCAP Nursery Certification Criterion Scales based on the written materials submitted by the nursery applicant, now evaluated in the light of the NCCP Site Visit; and further evaluated on the Review Team’s observations and interviews with infants, families, hospital, and nursery staff. The Site Review Team identifies and confirms the strengths of the nursery and, as indicated, provides guidance toward growth and successful certification;
  6. The NNCP Site Review Team prepares the NNCP Summary Report and Recommendations to be shared with the NNCP Steering Committee and subsequently forwarded to the NFI Board of Directors. The NFI Board decides on the ultimate status of the application. Upon such decision the nursery applicant receives the Review Team’s Summary Report and the NFI Board’s decision regarding certification.

Please see NIDCAP Nursery Certification Program: A Guide to Preparation, Application and Implementation of NIDCAP Nursery Certification, for a complete description of the NNCP application and review process.

NIDCAP Nursery Certification is both a goal and a process. Nurseries that apply for this certification will, through the process of the application, and by their self-evaluation, define the areas of their current strengths and areas for future growth. Successful NIDCAP Nursery Certification represents distinction in the provision of a consistently high level of NIDCAP care for infants and their families, as well as for the staff, and as such, is to be commended and celebrated as an inspiration for all.

To apply for NIDCAP Nursery Certification or for further information on the Program, please contact:

Rodd E. Hedlund, MEd
Director
NIDCAP Nursery Certification Program
NIDCAP Federation International
2208 Rhode Island Street
Lawrence, Kansas, 66046
nncpdirector@nidcap.org
785-841-5440