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Children’s Inc. Early Learning Center at Erlanger-Elsmere Schools gets 3-STAR rating from state


Early Learning Center (Photos by Caitlini Sparks/Numediacy)

Early Learning Center (Photos by Caitlini Sparks/Numediacy)

Kentucky’s STARS FOR KIDS NOW Program has awarded a 3-STAR rating to Children, Inc.’s Early Learning Center at Erlanger-Elsmere Schools. STARS FOR KIDS NOW is a voluntary rating system for licensed and certified child care programs. Programs are given a 1 to 4 star rating, and all STAR levels are measurable quality indicators above the state minimum requirements.

The measurable quality indicators for STAR rating ensure smaller child-to-staff ratios, higher training credentials for staff, increased family engagement, regulatory compliance and quality in curriculum, in addition to other measures that are associated with good outcomes for youth.

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3 STAR ratings require more training for program directors, higher-credentialed teachers, more parent engagement activities, formal opportunities for parent feedback about the program, and much more. Child care programs that participate in STARS FOR KIDS NOW are eligible for achievement and incentive awards that will help to maintain and increase quality standards. Specially-trained technical personnel assist programs with meeting the quality standards that are a part of STARS FOR KIDS NOW criteria. In addition, the STARS FOR KIDS NOW program has college scholarship funds available to child care professionals who wish to pursue higher education in early care and education.

“We’re happy to be able to provide this high quality service in the Erlanger-Elsmere community,” says Children, Inc. Executive Director Rick Hulefeld. “Children, Inc. is dedicated to high quality learning experiences for young children and meaningful engagement with families – thank you to our team out there for making this happen in Erlanger-Elsmere. Furthermore, thank you to Superintendent Kathy Burkhardt. We look forward to future innovation and collaboration in the Erlanger-Elsmere School District.”

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The Early Learning Center at Erlanger-Elsmere Schools provides care for children ages one through five on-site at Lloyd High School. It is the only center in Erlanger to hold a 3 STAR rating, and is also nationally accredited. The program operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. to accommodate families working full daytime hours. For more information about this center and registration or waiting list options, contact Director Cassie Young at cyoung@childreninc.org or (859) 261-2181.

Children, Inc., a United Way Agency Partner, provides high quality, readily-accessible child care, preschool and school-aged education programs with an emphasis on family partnerships. Founded in 1977 in Northern Kentucky as an early childhood learning center, Children, Inc. has become an innovative network of education and development centers with additional built-in resources such as: home-based visitation for young mothers, service learning programs, professional resources and training, advocacy, and research-based music production. Learn more at www.childreninc.org.


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