What term describes the process whereby an outside agency assesses a program's quality in early education?

The correct term for the process in which an outside agency assesses a program's quality in early education is accreditation. Accreditation signifies a formal recognition that a program meets established standards of quality, as determined by an external body with expertise in early education.

This process typically involves a thorough examination of various aspects of the program, including curriculum, staff qualifications, facilities, and overall effectiveness in meeting developmental goals for children. The agencies that provide accreditation have specific criteria that programs must meet to be recognized as delivering a high standard of education and care.

In contrast, self-assessment involves program personnel evaluating their own practices, which does not include an objective external review. Evaluation can refer more broadly to the measurement of outcomes and effectiveness but is not specifically tied to the formal recognition that comes with accreditation. Compliance review typically involves checking adherence to laws and regulations rather than evaluating the overall quality against a broad set of educational standards.