Missouri was the first state to develop and implement quality accreditation criteria programs providing care and education for children. Founded in 1981, Missouri Accreditation is an independent, no-profit, no-governmental agency. Since 1984, we have served as an institutional, accrediting agency, providing. leadership in the development of standards and performance-based assessment. Missouri Accreditation has continued to provide on- going monitoring, evaluation and recognition of programs who have achieved accreditation. Missouri Accreditation functions in areas beyond the scope of state licensing. To received accreditation, programs must exceed the minimum licensing requirements. Missouri Accreditation focuses on qualitative aspects of the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth opportunities made available to children enrolled in center-base, home-based and school-age care and education programs.