Erie House Earns ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality
The Early Childhood Education program at Erie Neighborhood House received the Gold Circle of Quality designation—the highest level possible—from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
“Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development Executive Director Cynthia L. Tate, Ph.D. “The higher the designation, the higher the program’s demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children’s early learning needs.”
“We are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality,” said Louis Falk, Director of Childcare at Erie House. “Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children in Chicago be better prepared for success in school and in life.”
The dual language program at Erie House provides quality care and instruction to 175 children ages 2 through 5.
According to Assistant Director of Child Care Matilde Romero, the Gold Circle of Quality designation is a tribute to the teachers and support staff at Erie House.
“Our students get quality education based on their specific developmental needs,” she explains. “Children with socio-emotional needs learn how to cope and express how they’re feeling using play and skillful, intentional interactions with highly trained teachers and a team of master’s-level students under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.”
ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children’s early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
“Our students get quality education based on their developmental needs.”
– Matilde Romero, Assistant Director of Childcare
Research in science and brain development shows that children who are more meaningfully engaged in early learning experiences from infancy through the first five years of life are more likely to be successful in school and in life. With the right engagement, children can form a healthy foundation of neural pathways in the brain, which impact their ability to think, react, process and grow.
For more information and to enroll in the Early Childhood Education program at Erie House, please visit www.eriehouse.org/childcare or call (312) 432-2218.
About ExceleRate Illinois
ExceleRate Illinois is a comprehensive system that includes Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Family Child Care, Preschool for All and Center-Based Prevention Initiative Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. ExceleRate Illinois is administered through INCCRRA under the joint direction of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information or to find a Child Care Resource & Referral Agency in your area, visit www.ExceleRateIllinois.com.