Oakton's Des Plaines Early Childhood Center Receives Gold Circle of Quality Award from State Organization

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) at Oakton's Des Plaines campus, 1600 East Golf Road, recently received the Gold Circle of Quality, the highest designation given by ExceleRate Illinois, the state's new quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers. The award demonstrates an ECC's continuous commitment to the families and children it serves.

"We are so privileged to have been awarded the Gold Circle of Quality," said Nora Rucker, site coordinator for the Des Plaines ECC. "This just affirms the quality of work that has been going on here for years. We're pleased and proud to provide an environment that fosters the love of learning and helps prepare children for life-long success." ExceleRate Illinois Professional Development officials said the Gold Circle of Quality is given to a center after a rigorous process by an independent assessor who evaluates its environment, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and family involvement. The state organization evaluates centers that serve children from birth to age 5 on how facilities assist in the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development of young children.

"It's not something that is given out lightly," ExceleRate Illinois Professional Development Counselor Sherri Stamp said. "To receive the Gold Circle of Quality, an early childhood center must go above and beyond meeting all training requirements for the Department of Children and Family Services."

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Oakton's Des Plaines ECC provides full-day programs for 2- to 5-year-olds.