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Program Director Expectations

Accreditation Handbook—Chapter XI: Expectations of Programs

This compilation of online resources is designed to support a new program director in understanding and meeting the program’s obligations as it relates to accreditation.

Understand the Benefits of CAA Accreditation

To Programs

Because CAA is a USDE-recognized accrediting agency, accredited programs are eligible to participate in federal grant programs, including the Academic Research Enhancement Award (R-15) grants through the National Institutes of Health and the Allied Health Projects Grant Program, part of the Public Health Service Act. CAA also has an agreement with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) (now Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation—CAEP) that supports both accreditation programs by reducing the documentation requirements to the education accreditor.

To Students

Graduation from a CAA-accredited program may be required for eligibility for professional credentials, such as the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), state licensure, and teacher certification, and may be a preferred or required condition for employment with some agencies like the Veterans Administration.

File Accreditation Reports on Time

Accreditation Handbook—Chapter XV: Overview of Application Review Process

Report Types

Most programs are expected to file an Annual Report. However, the CAA conducts a comprehensive review of each accredited program every 5–8 years, depending on the program’s accreditation cycle and would expect the program to file an Application for (Continued) Accreditation as a result. Accreditation staff notifies the program director as to what type of report to submit when the system is open for reports to be submitted, approximately 4 months before the due date.

Report Submission Dates

February 1 or August 1, depending on the anniversary date of the program.

Accreditation Cycles

You can view the CAA’s list of accredited and candidate programs [PDF], which indicates the current accreditation cycle of the program and the year in which the next comprehensive review will be initiated. You can confirm with the CAA Accreditation Office the submission date (February or August) by which to file.

Resources for Report Preparation

  • Forms and Worksheets
  • Self-Study and Its Relationship to Accreditation—Chapter II of the Accreditation Handbook

Notify the CAA When Program Changes are Planned or Occur

Accreditation Handbook—Chapter XI: Expectations of Programs

Pay Accreditation Fees Annually and On Time

The CAA Accreditation Office typically sends invoices for annual accreditation fees at the beginning of the calendar year. The current Accreditation Fee Schedule is online to assist you in your budget planning.

Vote in Annual Elections for CAA Members

The CAA’s composition includes academic, practitioner, and public members. All accredited programs in good standing are eligible to vote for the academic and practitioner members of the council. Elections are typically held in late August-mid September.

Keep Informed of Changes in Accreditation Policies or Procedures

  • Attend focused sessions at ASHA’s Annual Convention, CAPCSD’s Annual Conference, or other meetings at which CAA members or accreditation staff are presenting
  • Read Accreditation Connection, CAA’s e-newsletter, sent to program directors and faculty at least twice per year
  • Stay up-to-date on the Standards for Accreditation