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The ELC achieves Five-Star Quality First rating

by | Sep 14, 2023 | blog, Early Learning Center | 0 comments

The Early Learning Center at the East Valley JCC is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Five-Star Quality First rating.

This recognition highlights the center’s commitment to providing programs that address the development, education and health needs of children from 6 weeks through kindergarten.

Quality First, a signature program of First Things First, partners with child care and preschool providers to improve the quality of early learning across Arizona. A five-star rating is the highest level provided by Quality First and indicates that the center far exceeds quality standards. Quality First is a voluntary program that evaluates and supports early learning programs in their pursuit of excellence by providing coaching and funding to school leadership and staff.

“We are proud to announce that the Early Learning Center at the East Valley JCC has earned a Five-Star Rating with Quality First,” said Pam Morris, ELC director. “This is the top level: Highest Quality. We thank our teachers for the excellence in education and care they provide for (their students) each and everyday!”

According to the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), the assessments use reliable tools that focus on what research shows are key components of quality early care, including adult-child interactions, learning environments and staff qualifications. 

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience at the EVJCC,” said Leah Burr, an ELC parent who attended the preschool as a child. “It’s not just a place where my girls continue to learn and grow, it’s a place filled with cherished memories from my own childhood. It’s heartwarming to see the same care and dedication that I experienced here years ago.”

The Early Learning Center at the East Valley, founded in 1971, provides high-quality preschool and daycare for children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten age. The ELC Kindergarten opened this past July. Both programs are held at the East Valley JCC in Chandler. The ELC is also a recipient of the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) and is accredited by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for implementing the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its facility. Visit evjcc.org/elc.