5-Star Program for Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool, Toddler and Infant Education
with locations in Durham & Chapel Hill.
When it comes to your children, you want the very best care for them. Especially during the early years being in an environment in which they are surrounded by experiences that positively promote growth and development is important. As a parent, you want to know that your children are in the best environment possible. Children’s Campus is proud to say that all 3 of our child care locations have earned 5-Star ratings from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCCDEE).
The NCCDEE issues star-rated licenses to all preschools and child care centers that are eligible. Each center receives a rating of one to five stars based on two key components: Program Standards and Staff Education.
The Program Standards are evaluated on units related to the indoor and outdoor learning environments, staff to child ratios, the variety and diverseness of the learning materials offered, and children’s interactions with staff and peers. An Environmental Rating Scale is completed to determine a center’s quality of care offered by a center. These nationally recognized tools were developed by Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at our very own University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Evaluators come on site for an unannounced evaluation to score programs on how often and how well certain factors occur. They assess the school as it relates to health and safety practices, material checks to ensure there is variety as well as age appropriate toys, staff’s interaction with the children to confirm children’s needs are being met and emotions are responded to appropriately, school policies, and even activities that are scheduled and offered to the children. Lower staff to child ratios is another benefit to enrolling in a Children’s Campus’ Five Star Preschools! Teachers are able to connect with the students on a level that supports their social-emotional growth, academic progression, and cognitive development. Children’s Campus goes even further earning an additional Quality Point for our outstanding communication with our families and staff.
A center’s Staff Education is another factor considered in the number of stars a center receives as caregivers with formal education and experience create a more enriching classroom experience. The Administration, Teachers, and Assistant Teachers all must meet qualifications of formal education and also experience. Children’s Campus is proud to employ professionals in the field of Early Childhood Education. All teachers possess their North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials’ (NCECC) certification. A minimum of 75% of our Lead Teachers have a degree in Early Childhood or a related field. Assistant Teachers are required to have additional coursework in the field of Early Childhood and are working towards completion of a degree in the field. Many of our Children’s Campus teams co-teach with both teachers holding a degree.
The Administrators/Directors at all locations also must meet certain requirements for a Five Star Center. All Directors have classroom experience and Children’s Campus ensures that at least a portion of that experience is within our company. Furthermore, Administrators of a 5 Star Child Care Center must hold a Level III Administrative qualification from the State of North Carolina including a Bachelor’s degree or higher with a dual concentration on Business Administration and Early Childhood. A Portfolio is then submitted to the State for review and approval. This extensive collection of assignments is to demonstrate administrative skills and competency in 6 key areas as it relates to the management:
All staff, including the Administrative team, is required to maintain a certain number of training hours annually based on one’s educational level and experience. The areas of staff development include:
As a licensed preschool and child care program, our centers are monitored frequently with numerous unannounced on-site visits from the Division of Child Development Staff to ensure sure that we remain in compliance with all the health and safety requirements and are maintaining our high quality 5-Star standards. Schools are assessed every three years to be awarded earned stars which Children’s Campus continuously exceeds scoring an above average rating. The Health Department, County Fire Inspections, and various safety and security logs are reviewed during these visits.
You can learn more about how the star ratings are determined on the NCCDEE website, or ask one of our friendly preschool staff at any of our Children’s Campus locations in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Greenville. All locations are now enrolling so schedule a tour of our child care center today!
AB 3/10/16
