Urbana Early Childhood School has maintained its Gold Circle of Quality rating from ExceleRate Illinois for another year. This recognition demonstrates Urbana’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education.

ExceleRate Illinois is the state’s quality rating an improvement system for early learning and development programs.

The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs which have demonstrated quality on all standards, as validated by an independent assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, and all administrative standards; group size and ratios; qualifications; and professional development.

ExceleRate Illinois recognizes early learning providers who place a high priority on the following:

• Instructional excellence (teaching and learning): Daily activities and interactions within early learning and development programs are indicators that a program is providing an environment and experiences that are safe, healthy and stimulating for children. This includes offering both indoor and outdoor activities to support varied learning experiences. 
• Family services (family and community engagement): Program has policy and procedures to ensure strong partnerships with families and within their community.
• Staff qualifications (leadership and management): Strong leadership and management practices make a tangible difference in the quality of care and education provided.
• Professional development and program administration (qualifications and continuing education): High-quality programs are directed by administrators who have the formal education and professional preparedness to manage the program and lead all staff in providing the most up-to-date practices for educational development.