A private kindergarten goes through two stages: first provisional operating authorisation (before it opens), then accreditation (after one education cycle). Good news for parents: at kindergarten level, there is no practical difference between “provisionally authorised” and “accredited” — both are legal. What really matters is that the unit is in the system (authorised or accredited), not unauthorised. Below you’ll find what each means and how to check.

The two stages

  • Provisional operating authorisation — the first step into legality, granted before operations begin, confirming the unit meets the minimum standards to start.
  • Accreditation — granted after an external evaluation, once a cohort has gone through the cycle (at kindergarten, the cycle is 3 years; accreditation usually comes between 3 and 6 years from authorisation). It confirms the sanitary and fire-safety authorisations, qualified staff, and adherence to the national curriculum.

Both are granted by order of the Minister of Education, at ARACIP’s proposal (the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education). The framework is set by Law no. 198/2023.

Why it (mostly) doesn’t matter for parents

According to ARACIP, at kindergartens there is no difference between a provisionally authorised unit and an accredited one. The only real difference concerns the capacity to issue study documents (diplomas, certificates) — but at kindergarten that doesn’t apply. A provisionally authorised kindergarten is fully legal and part of the education system.

The important line isn’t “authorised vs. accredited”, but legal (authorised or accredited) vs. unauthorised (illegal). If kindergarten becomes compulsory, a document from a unit that is neither authorised nor accredited won’t be recognised by the ministry. So the parent’s real check is: is the unit in the ARACIP register at all?

We’ve seen cases in Cluj of units operating without authorisation (for example, an “Alice in Wonderland” kindergarten reported as unauthorised in Feleacu — see kindergartens in Feleacu and Gilău). So check the status before enrolling.

How to check the status

  • The ARACIP registers (downloadable lists) — provisionally authorised and accredited units: aracip.eu — registers.
  • School search on aracip.eu/cautare-scoli.
  • The SIIIR map of units: siiir.edu.ro/carto.
  • The ISJ Cluj list of private units (the “Învățământ particular” section).
  • Ask the unit directly for the authorisation/accreditation order.

For general selection criteria, see how to choose a kindergarten; for costs, how much a private kindergarten costs.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an authorised and an accredited kindergarten? Provisional authorisation is the first step into legality (before opening); accreditation comes after a cycle and an external evaluation. At kindergarten, both are legal.

Does it matter for parents whether it’s authorised or accredited? Almost not at all. The only difference (issuing study documents) doesn’t apply at kindergarten. Both are in the education system.

What should I actually check? That the unit is in the ARACIP register (authorised or accredited), not unauthorised. A document from an unauthorised unit risks not being recognised.

How do I check a Cluj kindergarten’s status? In the ARACIP registers, via “School search”, on the SIIIR map, on the ISJ Cluj private-units list, or by asking the unit directly.

Who grants authorisation and accreditation? They’re granted by order of the Minister of Education, at ARACIP’s proposal, under Law 198/2023.

Sources

See all our official sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

At kindergarten, provisionally authorised and accredited are both legal — the practical difference for parents is small. What matters is that the unit is in the system, not unauthorised — check the ARACIP registers before enrolling. You’ll find every kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca on the interactive piticluj.ro map.