Erie Neighborhood House School Age Program Receives Prestigious Gold Circle of Quality Award
Empowering young minds through excellence in after-school programming
We’re thrilled to announce that Erie Neighborhood House’s School Age Program has been awarded the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois. ExceleRate Illinois is the state’s Quality Recognition and Improvement system for after-school and out-of-school programs serving children ages 5 to 12.
Welcome to our ExceleRate IL Gold Circle of Quality era! This recognition represents more than an award. It validates our unwavering commitment to creating safe, nurturing spaces where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. These spaces also help families build stronger futures.
What This Award Means
“ExceleRate Illinois helps families make informed choices about their children’s care and education,” said Lesley Schwarz from ExceleRate Illinois. “It establishes standards that help school-age students develop academically, socially, and emotionally. These standards ensure safe, engaging environments before and after school. It also gives professionals a framework to enhance their skills and continuously improve programming.”
“We are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality,” said Joshua Johnson, Director of Expanded Learning Programs at Erie Neighborhood House. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing high-quality enrichment and academic support. Our programs help children thrive in school and beyond.”
Creating Powerful Communities Through Quality Programming
For 153 years, Erie Neighborhood House has been dedicated to empowering our community through comprehensive, high-quality programming. Our School Age Program exemplifies this mission. We provide working families with peace of mind while ensuring their children receive exceptional care and educational support.
Research consistently shows that children engaged in meaningful after-school learning experiences develop stronger academic skills. They also build social-emotional competencies and confidence. High-quality school-age programs like ours foster positive relationships and promote problem-solving and teamwork. We support working families by offering safe and structured environments.
Our Commitment Continues
This Gold Circle of Quality designation reinforces what we’ve always known. When we invest in our children with warmth, compassion, and excellence, we’re building the foundation for powerful communities. Our School Age Program serves as a cornerstone in our comprehensive approach. We focus on empowering individuals and families of all backgrounds.
ExceleRate Illinois recognizes licensed child care centers and school-age programs that demonstrate excellence in programming. These programs also show a commitment to continuous improvement. This award reflects not just our current success, but our ongoing dedication to evolving and adapting for our community’s needs.
To learn more about Erie Neighborhood House’s School Age Program and our other empowering services, visit eriehouse.org. For information about ExceleRate Illinois or to find a licensed school-age program near you, visit www.ExceleRateIllinois.com.
ExceleRate Illinois is administered through INCCRRA under the joint direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Board of Education.