AUBURN – The city’s child-care program at Fairview Elementary School has earned national accreditation.

Parents may now double their federal child-care tax credit if their children attend program, according to Andie Locke, who helps oversee the city’s child-care programs.

Fairview started the accreditation process with the National AfterSchool Association three years ago. In order to gain accreditation, it had to complete a self study, survey parents and kids, and accept visits from an accreditation team. It also had to prove that it met the association’s strict standards for staffing and child care.

Fairview is only the second child-care program in Maine to receive accreditation. The other is in Waterville.

The before- and after-school program started at Fairview about five years ago. It currently serves about 75 kids, offering snacks, tutoring, sports, a drama group, dance lessons and other activities. The program opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 5:45 p.m. It costs $55 a week for both before- and after-school programs, or $3.50 per morning and $7.50 per afternoon.

The program runs every weekday during the school year, including snow days, teacher workshop days and vacations. Openings are available.

For more information, people may call 333-6600, ext. 1308.

– Lindsay Tice