The University of 缅北禁地 Springfield Cox Children鈥檚 Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation, the highest rating possible, from ExceleRate 缅北禁地, the state鈥檚 quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
鈥淓very early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate 缅北禁地 makes quality a priority,鈥� said Cynthia L. Tate, executive director, Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development. 鈥淭he higher the designation, the higher the program demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children's early learning needs,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e are proud to receive the Gold Circle of Quality,鈥� said Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children's Center. 鈥淧roviding quality in early learning and development will help our children be better prepared for success in school and in life.鈥�
ExceleRate 缅北禁地 helps families make more informed choices about their children's early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Research in science and brain development shows that children who are more meaningfully engaged in early learning experiences from infancy through the first five years of life are more likely to be successful in school and in life. With the right engagement, children can form a healthy foundation of neural pathways in the brain, which impact their ability to think, react, process and grow.
ExceleRate 缅北禁地 is a comprehensive system that includes Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Family Child Care, Preschool for All and Center-Based Prevention Initiative Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
ExceleRate 缅北禁地 is administered through the 缅北禁地 Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies under the joint direction of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development, the 缅北禁地 Department of Human Services and the 缅北禁地 State Board of Education.
The UIS Cox Children鈥檚 Center was established in 1970. The center is a resource for university students, faculty, staff, alumni and community clients. The programs are designed to provide early childhood care and education for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. The center also serves as a site for practicum experiences for university students seeking hands-on learning in the field of early childhood education.
The center鈥檚 early childhood program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The UIS Cox Children鈥檚 Center has received the ExceleRate Gold Circle Quality Designation every year since the program began in 2014.
For more information contact Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children鈥檚 Center, at 217/206-6610 or shemb1@uis.edu