The Preschool for All program administered by the Regional Office of Education #26 (ROE26) has again been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as achieving the Silver Circle of Quality recognition. This award means that ROE26’s program provides a high quality early learning program that meets the state’s standards. This rating system is also a way for families to quickly know where high quality programs are in their area.
ROE26 has Preschool for All programs at Hamilton School District and Warsaw School District in Hancock County as well as Programs in McDonough County at Wee Care Center, Catch A Star Learning Center, and YMCA Community Child Care Center. They currently serve 152 students within these programs.
Chelsea Ladd, the Preschool for All Director with ROE26, said, “I am proud of the work of our staff and teachers to provide such high quality programs for our students. To gain the Silver Circle of Quality recognition is a rigorous process and this is a testament to the work our teachers do everyday to care for and educate our students. They are committed to providing social emotional support to children, fostering a family environment within the classroom, and facilitating math and language development through learning as play.”
The Silver rating is based on observational visits that look at the quality of the program, how the staff speak with the children, whether there is a community and family environment in the classroom, and the use of math and literacy materials throughout the day. According to ISBE, the Silver recognizes the “completion of a rigorous self-assessment and implementation of a continuous quality improvement process, as verified by an independent assessor. Silver Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment and instructional quality, along with selected administrative standards; qualifications; and professional development.”
Ladd continued, “We are always looking for ways to improve, expand, and better serve children. Our goal is to achieve Gold recognition status during the next round of evaluation.”
The Preschool for All program is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education and is free for parents. These half day programs provide high quality learning for children ages three through five. Preschool for All programs can be offered in public schools, private schools, child care centers, Head Start programs, as well as in community and faith-based organizations.