Early Learning Center recognized by state

The Lorain County Early Learning Center, 12079 Lagrange Road in LaGrange, has been recognized for its services with the highest honor from the state of Ohio, according to a news release.

The preschool, which services students from throughout Lorain County, received the a Five-Star Step Up to Quality Award from the state of Ohio, administered through the state departments of Education, and Job and Family Service.

The preschool is operated through the Educational Service Center of Lorain County.

“I want to thank the staff at the Lorain County Early Learning Center for collaborating in order to earn the five stars from Step Up to Quality,” said Elizabeth Fleming-Krall, supervisor. “Through this process, the teachers have developed comprehensive lesson plans, examined how to incorporate the early learning assessment into the instruction and plan on using the early learning content standards for each part of the school day from arrival to dismissal.

“We as a program gained feedback from parents and community partners in order to further develop the program and the services we provide. Overall, the program is able to confidently know we are providing the highest level of early childhood education.”

In receiving the five-star honor, the program must meet all the standards of four-star rated programs in addition to:

• Have lower staff/child ratios

• Use child assessment results to plan activities that best support learning and development goals for each child

• Share assessment results and create goals for children

• Develop plans to support children as they transition to a new classroom or educational setting

• Work with other organizations or businesses within the community to support children and their families

• Have an active and organized parent volunteer group

• Use input from families and community partners to inform the program’s continuous improvement process

• Have accreditation by an approved organization

“This designation is proof of the hard work and dedication that our staff exhibits every day, serving the varied needs of our students and their families,” said Greg Ring, superintendent of Educational Service Center. “The (Early Learning Center) serves as an excellent model giving other preschools across Lorain County a standard by which they can learn from and aspire to become, as they seek five-star status as well.”

Research confirms the first five years of a child’s life has a direct impact on how children develop emotional well-being in addition to learning and social skills, the release said.

For these reasons, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education are committed to improving early childhood opportunities for all children in the state, the release said.

Early Learning Center enrollment for the 2018-19 school year opens to the public Jan. 3.

To learn more, go to earlychildhoodohio.org.