Kentucky’s STARS FOR KIDS NOW Program has awarded Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission’s Eastside Early Childhood Development Center a 5 STAR rating.
This is the first 5 STAR rating given to a Northern Kentucky childcare center. Currently, the only other facility in the state of Kentucky to receive a 5 STAR rating was in Pulaski County.
Kentucky All STARS is the expanded quality rating and improvement system for all publicly funded early care and education programs, including licensed and certified child care, public pre-school and Head Start. Programs are given a 1 to 5 STAR rating, with 5 being the best.
Kentucky All STARS levels are measurable quality indicators above the state minimum requirements. The measurable quality indicators for a Kentucky All STARS rating ensure smaller child-to-staff ratios, higher training credentials for staff, increased family engagement, and quality in curriculum, in addition to other measures that are associated with good outcomes for children. Achieving this recognition requires an ongoing commitment to quality learning experiences.
“ Our staff works to provide the absolute best for children and families every day. Our commitment to quality education, social emotional development, and the best possible learning environment has been recognized and validated with this 5 STAR rating,” said Laurie Wolsing, Vice President for Children’s Services at Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, the agency that runs Head Start in Northern Kentucky.
The Eastside Early Childhood Development Center, located at 1001 Scott Street in Covington provides comprehensive education services to preschool children from low-income families, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and wraparound child care services. To honor the students, families, teachers, staff, and community members who have contributed to this level of distinction, the Center will host a community celebration on January 11th at 3 p.m.
Head Start is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, private grants and donations. NKCAC’s Head Start program offers child care and early childhood education programs serving more than 450 3-and 4-year old children and 80 children birth to three annually.
To ask about enrolling your child in Head Start, to tour the Eastside Early Childhood Development Center, or to give a donation in support of this first of its kind quality program, contact James Peters at jpeters@nkcac.org.