06/02/11 - Early Learning Centers earn TN Three-Stars quality ratings

The Siskin Early Learning Centers-East Brainerd (ELC-EB) and Downtown (ELC-DT) both received three-stars annual quality ratings from the Tennessee Star-Quality Child Care Program. 

Star-Quality recognizes child care providers that meet a higher standard of quality. Once qualified for this program, a provider can receive one, two or three stars to place on its license and display in its center. Each star shows that the provider meets increasingly higher standards.

The ELC-EB was first rated by the state in 2008, during its inaugural year of operation. The ELC-DT also was first rated in 2008. Both have received the three-stars rating annually since the year of initial assessment.

In 2000 Tennessee launched a broad statewide program to improve child care and to give parents more information about the quality of care their children receive. The Star-Quality program is part of this broad program. Unlike the Child Care Report Card Program, the Star-Quality Child Care Program is voluntary and, thus, demonstrates a facility’s commitment and proactive attitude toward offering a high quality program.

Areas assessed include administrative and teaching staff’s qualifications, experience, education and training; developmental learning; parent and family involvement; ratios and group sizes; the center's pay and benefit plans for staff; and program assessment (on-site observation). 

Congratulations to the staff of both Early Learning Centers for a job well done!