NEWS

The Early Childhood Education Center at Louisiana Tech University has earned an exclusive 5-Star rating from Quality Start, a voluntary assessment system aimed at increasing the quality of child care and early learning throughout Louisiana.

The 5-Star rating is one of only two awarded throughout the state of Louisiana.

“We are thrilled that Quality Start has recognized our hard work with a 5-Star rating,” says Mrs. Laura Chestnut, director of Louisiana Tech’s Early Childhood Education Center. “The evaluation process is very long and detailed, but if it improves the quality of care and education for our children, it is so very worth it.”

In 2007, Louisiana launched Quality Start (formerly the Louisiana Quality Rating System) in an effort to improve child care in the state. Centers are assessed in several performance areas and then given a “star rating” based on a composite score.

According to Chestnut, it is hoped this system will assist parents in making better decisions about which child care centers they’ll use. Quality Start is intended to serve as a guide for parents, a benchmark for program improvement, and an accountability measure for funding.

Louisiana Tech’s Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), part of the School of Human Ecology in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The ECEC provides excellent learning experiences through the use of an innovative curriculum, well-trained staff, developmentally appropriate equipment and individual attention.

Written by Dave Guerin